Australian social vulnerability index in 2001-2021

Using Cutter’s social vulnerability framework, this study constructs fine-grained, longitudinal measures of social vulnerability for urban and rural Australia across five census years (2001–2021). Spatial patterns, inequities, and associations between social vulnerability and the built environment (30 indicators) are examined through machine learning methods. Key findings show that while the most vulnerable areas remain consistent over time, inequities have decreased, and clustering has increased. Resilient areas feature better access to public facilities, housing diversity, and commercial density, which collectively reduce vulnerability. Upgraded built environments attract higher socioeconomic populations, further lowering vulnerability at aggregated levels. To date, this study is the first to provide a comprehensive, longitudinal, and spatially explicit assessment of social vulnerability across Australia.