GRASP Releases New SVI Interactive Map and Data Set

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View the new interactive map and dataset at svi.cdc.gov.

ATSDR’s Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program (GRASP) launched the CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index (CDC/ATSDR SVI) in 2011. To mark the second decade of the tool, GRASP released a new interactive map along with a newly updated dataset.

New Interactive Map and Dataset Features

The CDC/ATSDR SVI uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau to provide a ranking of U.S. counties and census tracts that can offer social vulnerability information for communities. These scores are used by public health officials and emergency response planners to prepare for and respond to emergency events like hurricanes, disease outbreaks, or exposure to dangerous chemicals.

The new interactive map and dataset includes

  • A table tab so users can quickly access the data they need,
  • A function to download maps and data tables directly from the interactive site,
  • Updated themes and indicators to better measure social vulnerability at the community level, using data from the U.S. Census 2020 5-year American Community Survey, and
  • Updated documentation that outlines changes in the themes and variables and provides background on data sources and how the indicators are calculated.

Communities Experiencing Social Vulnerability

Social vulnerability is the impact that external stressors can have on a community’s resilience to a disaster or disease outbreak. For example, communities comprised of people with lower incomes, a high number of single-parent households, and many people without a high school diploma are more likely to experience challenges responding to disasters or disease outbreaks.

Over the years, CDC/ATSDR SVI has been a valuable resource to partners and researchers. For example, GRASP team members worked with the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) and other emergency response planners to leverage the CDC/ATSDR SVI to focus COVID-19 resources on racial and ethnic minority communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional Information