In this article, we explain the three primary Indices of Social Vulnerability available in mySidewalk’s Data Library. Social Vulnerability reflects a community’s resilience to environmental hazards or disasters, and understanding these indices helps identify areas of vulnerability.
What is Social Vulnerability?
Social vulnerability is multidimensional and depends on various factors that influence a community's ability to respond to environmental risks. These indices summarize complex data into a single, easy-to-understand number, helping decision-makers quickly identify vulnerable areas.
Available Social Vulnerability Indices
1. HVRI University of South Carolina Social Vulnerability Index (HVRI)
Scope: Nationwide. Annually updated.
Details: This index uses data from the American Community Survey (ACS) and is recalculated yearly, making it the most up-to-date version in the mySidewalk library. The input characteristics are representative of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).
When to Use: We recommend using this index in most cases due to its comprehensiveness and accuracy.
Learn More: HVRI SoVI Help Article
2. CDC ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index
Scope: Available for Tract, County, and Zip Code levels. Semiannually updated.
Details: This index is conventionally used in local planning projects such as Community Health Assessments (CHAs) and Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs). Data is typically one year behind the most recent ACS data.
When to Use: Use this index if required by grant programs or specific planning initiatives. We advise using the HVRI version when possible, as its methodology is more statistically defensible.
Learn More: CDC Social Vulnerability Index Help Article
3. FEMA Community Resilience Score
Scope: Tract and County levels.
Details: The FEMA index is designed for environmental hazard mitigation and planning, using the Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities (BRIC) developed by HVRI. This index can help identify areas eligible for FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants.
When to Use: Use this index for programs like FEMA's BRIC grants or other hazard-related initiatives.
Learn More: FEMA Community Resilience Score Help Article
External Links to Learn More
CDC Social Vulnerability Index (Not currently available from the CDC)
How to Choose the Right Index
When deciding which index to use, consider the following:
For Comprehensive, Nationwide Data: Use the HVRI index.
For Local Health Planning: Use the CDC ATSDR index, particularly for projects like CHAs and CHNAs.
For Environmental Hazard Mitigation: Use the FEMA Community Resilience Score, especially for FEMA-related programs.