UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge

Place-based vulnerability indices are valuable analytical tools that policy makers could use to prioritize the most-at-risk neighborhoods for interventions, including the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The indicators, nonetheless, may not be appropriate for many at-risk populations, particularly smaller groups that tend to be less geographically concentrated.

To better understand the limitations of four vulnerability indicators, out new brief assesses their relative ability to include American Indians, Pacific Islanders and select Asian American ethnic subgroups (Cambodians, Filipinos and Koreans). These groups have factors that potentially place them at greater risk from the pandemic because of their jobs, low socioeconomic status and poor living conditions.  Despite these heightened risks, many members of these groups do not reside in neighborhoods designated as being highly vulnerable places by the indicators. The indicators perform relatively better for American Indians and Cambodians.