Community Vulnerability Index Map

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Introducing the Community Vulnerability Index Map

The Community Vulnerability Index Map (CVIM) is a geographic layer that identifies concentrations of Arlington’s vulnerable populations. It can serve as a base layer that assists with applying an equity lens when combined with other data and information. The layer provides an index at the sub-County level (Census Tracts) and identifies the relative concentration of vulnerable populations in relation to other Census Tracts. Essentially, it ranks Census Tracts from the highest to the lowest concentrations of vulnerable populations.  

Vulnerability is defined as “the degree to which a system is likely to experience harm due to exposure to a hazard.” and/or “the sensitivity or susceptibility to harm and lack of capacity to cope and adapt”. For this analysis, vulnerability is examined in terms of Arlington’s composition and how researched (and known) demographic, socioeconomic, and geographic factors may increase an individual’s susceptibility to various disadvantages. Applying a geographic component aids in identifying where concentrations of vulnerable populations are, and where additional assistance and services might be needed to enhance life outcomes.  

The following variables were used to determine vulnerability: 

• Persons of Color 
• Persons under the age of 18 
• Persons over the age of 65 
• Lower income households 
• Low-income persons 
• Low Educational Attainment
• Persons born outside of the United States 

For more information on variables and vulnerability please see the Vulnerability Mapping Methodology(PDF, 815KB) documentation.

Using CVIM as an Equity Lens Element: 

The goal of the CVIM is to provide a common tool unique to Arlington with multiple data points (tested for statistical reliability and ranked to form the Vulnerability Index) which can be utilized across Arlington departments in addition to, or in the absence of, an established analysis.  

The CVIM goes hand-in-hand with the Race and Ethnicity Dashboard and the Census Tract Demographic Dashboard and may be used as one element of the equity lens approach to project planning, implementation, and more. It is a tool that can assist in answering the Racial Equity Lens questions on who benefits, who is burdened, who is missing, how do we know, and what do/did we do?

The CVIM should be used in coordination with other project data and information to create a comprehensive analysis and make well-informed decisions. Decisions and/or priorities, such as program priorities and funding, should not be solely based on the CVIM.

Please refer to this CVIM Overview(PDF, 365KB) document for more information and an example on how to use the CVIM.

Access the CVIM at the following locations:

Data Source and Geography: 

The CVIM was produced at the Census Tract level using the 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates. Tabulations were conducted by the CPHD Research and Strategic Initiatives Group. The CVIM will be updated annually upon the release of the latest ACS data from the US Census Bureau.  

Feedback

We welcome feedback on the Community Vulnerability Index Map. This feedback form aims to understand how the Arlington Community uses the CVIM. The information provided will help us improve and enhance the CVIM for future updates.

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