The Creation of a Multidomain Neighborhood Environmental Vulnerability Index Across an Urban Center

Abstract

We created a multidomain neighborhood environmental vulnerability index to characterize magnitude and variability of area-level factors with the potential to modify the effects of environmental pollutants on health. Using the Toxicological Prioritization Index framework and data from the 2015-2019 U.S. Census American Community Survey and the 2020 CDC PLACES Project, we quantified area-level vulnerability overall and in demographic, economic, residential and health domains. Cluster analysis revealed six patterns of vulnerability, differentiating areas with varying levels of vulnerability and illuminating spatial variability in specific features contributing to vulnerability. The use of detailed metrics of area-level vulnerability can advance precision population health.