At a glance
Things like age, education, occupation, and income can influence both individual and population health. These factors may increase risks for poor health outcomes or worsen the effects of public health emergencies.
We Track That
The Tracking Network uses several national sources, including federal agencies, to obtain state and local data about population characteristics. This information is based on populations as a whole, rather than individual members of a particular population. Therefore, individual health risk factors are not included in this information. The Social Vulnerability Index data included on the Tracking Network come from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Types of Data
This indicator includes population estimates (number and percent) of people by certain traits. Examples include race, ethnicity, age, household situations, and English language proficiency. Data are presented at census tract, county, and/or state level for all states.
This indicator shows the average annual life expectancy at birth for a population over a 5-year period. Data are presented at county and state level for all states. These data are estimates and cannot be used to predict an individual's life span.
This health status indicator includes data on several health conditions that could make a person more vulnerable in emergency or disaster situations. Examples include certain disabilities, chronic health issues (e.g., arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure), mental health issues, and overall physical health. These data are available at the census tract level for all 50 states. Sources include the American Community Survey, National Diabetes Surveillance System, and CDC's Population Level Analysis and Community Estimates (PLACES) Project.
This occupation indicator shows the annual number of employees working in the food manufacturing industry from 1990 to the most recent year available. Data are available at the county level for all states and the District of Columbia.
This indicator provides data on average annual household expenditures for energy (including electricity, gas, and other fuels). It also shows average annual energy burden, defined as the average annual housing energy costs divided by the average annual household income. Data are presented over a 5-year period at the census tract, county, and/or state level for all states, plus the District of Columbia. The source for these data is the U.S. Department of Energy.
This prevention indicator shows the crude and age-adjusted rates of adults who participate in preventive health services such as routine doctor and dentist checkups, recommended screenings (e.g., cervical cancer, cholesterol), staying up to date on clinical services (e.g., vaccinations), and taking high blood pressure medications. It also shows data on the number and percent of people who are uninsured. These data are available at the state, county, or census tract level for all 50 states. Sources include CDC's Population Level Analysis and Community Estimates (PLACES) Project and the U.S. Census Bureau's Small Area Health Insurance Estimates (SAHIE) Program.
This SVI indicator shows relative vulnerability of every U.S. Census tract on 14 social factors including poverty, lack of vehicle access, and crowded housing. The factors are grouped into four related themes. Each Census tract receives a ranking for each variable, each theme, and an overall ranking. These data can be used by public health officials and local planners to better prepare communities to respond to emergency events like severe weather, floods, disease outbreaks, or chemical exposure. Depending on the year, data are available at the Census tract and county level for all states.
This SES indicator includes data on poverty, household income, employment status, and high school (or equivalent) graduation status. Data are presented at Census tract, county, and/or state level for all states.
Access the Data
Use the Data Explorer to create custom maps, tables, and charts.
View data in simple Quick Reports.
Get machine-readable data through the Application Program Interface (API).
Data in Action
Understanding population characteristics is essential for public health practices such as program planning, epidemiologic studies, and public health emergency preparedness. Knowing a population's characteristics, including their vulnerabilities and resources, can help public health professionals determine possible effects of health problems or environmental conditions on disease trends.
The Tracking Network's population characteristics and vulnerabilities data can be used for the following actions.
- Identifying populations likely to be at risk for acute and chronic illnesses
- Identifying locations where exposures to different environmental chemicals may happen
- Assessing a community's preparedness and potential impacts from a public health emergency
- Understanding better the factors that influence environmental exposures and human health
- Evaluating the magnitude of county-level disparities over time
- Monitoring the effects of public health policies aimed at lessening the environmental burden on various populations
- Making informed decisions about resources needed for public health response or public safety by:
- Identifying community-specific threats and hazards, populations at risk, and community vulnerabilities
- Evaluating possible scenarios based on time, place, and conditions
- Determining potential resource needs and public health actions to mitigate or prevent illness, injury, and death
- Identifying community-specific threats and hazards, populations at risk, and community vulnerabilities
Resources
Planning for an Emergency: Strategies for Identifying and Engaging At-Risk Groups: This guide describes six categories to consider when identifying at-risk groups that could be disproportionately affected by disasters. The Tracking Network includes data for each of these categories.
- Socioeconomic status
- Age
- Gender
- Race and ethnicity
- English language proficiency
- Medical issues and disability