Climate Equity Index Social Vulnerability Analysis Factors

Based on examples from peer cities’ social vulnerability analyses, the 39 factors were combined using a statistical methodology to determine relative vulnerability to climate change impacts at the census tract level.

This social vulnerability map visualizes this relative vulnerability across Richmond’s census tracts. The map provides an objective and quantitative way to begin identifying the communities on the frontlines of climate change - those who are being impacted first and worst

Use RVAgreen 2050 Climate Equity Index to explore the demographic, health, and other factors affecting Richmond neighborhoods’ potential vulnerability to crises such as climate change.

Vulnerability Factors

Health & Safety:  

Health Opportunity Index, Disabilities, Obesity, Asthma, COPD, Coronary heart disease, High Blood Pressure, Kidney Disease, Poor mental health (self-assessed), Poor physical health (self-assessed), Uninsured, Low food access, Crime

Income & Education:

Poverty, Work outdoors, SNAP/food stamps, Public assistance income, Housing costs >30% of income, No high school diploma, Unemployment, Housing Choice Voucher program participant

Housing & Transportation:

Multi-unit structures, Mobile homes, Crowding, No vehicle access, No central air conditioning, Emergency housing, Group homes, No internet access

Population:

Elderly (65+), Children (under 18), Race and ethnicity, Female, Limited English Proficiency