SVI - sporedata/researchdesigneR GitHub Wiki

General description

The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) determines the social vulnerability of each census tract using census data. It assesses social determinants of health (SDOH), scores each tract according to 15 socioeconomic variables, such as poverty, lack of automobile access, and overcrowding, and divides them into four linked themes.

The SVI can assist disaster response planners and public health professionals in locating and mapping the communities that will most likely require assistance before, during, and after a hazardous occurrence. The Social Vulnerability Index calculates the relative social vulnerability of each census tract using data from the US Census. Each tract is ranked by the SVI according to fourteen (14) social criteria, which are then grouped into four themes. Each tract receives an unique score for each of the four themes, as well as an overall score.

• The SVI can be used in:
  • Calculate the required supplies, including beds, drinks, food, and medication.
  • Assist in determining the number of emergency personnel required.
  • Determine regions in need of emergency shelters.
  • Consider those with particular requirements, such as those without automobiles, the elderly, or those who do not speak English well, while planning the best evacuation strategy.
  • Determine which towns require ongoing assistance following an emergency or natural disaster.
  • The allocation of funds for disaster preparedness.

Related publications

• A Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) from the CDC
• CDC/ATSDR Social Vulnerability Index
• A Social Vulnerability Index for Disaster Management
• Validation of a social vulnerability index in context to river-floods in Germany
• Uncertainty Analysis for a Social Vulnerability Index
• A Sensitivity Analysis of the Social Vulnerability Index
• Evaluating social vulnerability indicators: criteria and their application to the Social Vulnerability Index
• Measuring Community Vulnerability to Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index
• Social vulnerability assessment using spatial multi-criteria analysis (SEVI model) and the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI model) – a case study for Bucharest, Romania
• An Analysis of Social Vulnerability to Natural Hazards in Nepal Using a Modified Social Vulnerability Index
• A Method for Constructing a Social Vulnerability Index: An Application to Hurricane Storm Surges in a Developed Country

Data access

To access SVI data, visit (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/placeandhealth/svi/data_documentation_download.html).