CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)
CDC Social Vulnerability Index
Social vulnerability refers to the potential negative effects on communities caused by external stresses on human health. Such stresses include natural or human-caused disasters, or disease outbreaks. Reducing social vulnerability can decrease both human suffering and economic loss.
CDC Social Vulnerability Index (CDC SVI) uses 15 U.S. census variables to help local officials identify communities that may need support before, during, or after disasters.
GRASP released the official CDC SVI 2018 update in March 2020. Access the newest update on the CDC SVI Data & Documentation Download page.
GRASP led the June 2020 publication of ‘Spatial exploration of the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index and heat-related health outcomes in Georgiaexternal icon’ in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction.
U.S. Senate Democrats referenced CDC SVI in the April 2020 report, Racial Disparities on Full Display: COVID-19 is Disproportionately Affecting Communities of Colorpdf iconexternal icon.