Opportunities and Vulnerabilities Index Map

This map shows 3 indexes related to cumulative advantage and disadvantage for communities in Boulder County. The three indexes are 1) Protective Factors Index; 2) Human Services Index; 3) Social Vulnerability Index. They are described in more detail below. Protective factors are characteristics that may decrease a community's likelihood of experiencing social vulnerability. Examples include communities where families have access to economic and financial help, medical care and mental health services, safe and stable housing, safe and nurturing childcare, and high-quality education. The Protective Factors Index was calculated using the z-score method (on percentages or rates) for every variable at the census tract level. The individual z-scores were combined to create the final index value. The sample standard deviation formula was used because the data comes from surveys, rather than population data. The Human Services Index aggregates 16 key indicators by Census Tract into one summary map. The map can be used by decision-makers and community partners to inform programs, practices, services, and investments across Boulder County. It can identify areas with cumulative advantage (lighter colors) or disadvantage (darker colors). The Human Services Index was calculated using the z-score method (on percentages or rates) for every variable at the census tract level. The individual z-scores were combined to create the final index value. The CDC Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was created to help health officials and emergency response planners identify and map the communities that will most likely need support before, during and after a hazardous event. SVI indicates the relative vulnerability of every census tract in Boulder County. It ranks the tracts on 16 social factors and groups them into 4 related themes. Each tract receives a ranking for each Census variable, for each of the 4 themes, and an overall ranking.