Climate & Health – Heat and Health Index
This indicator report the heat and health index (HHI) score and ranking which shows how vulnerable an area at the Zip Code Tabulation Area is to the impacts of heat in comparison to the rest of the nation. The index ranges from 0 to 100 (0 to 1) with smaller values representing less risk to the impacts of heat. The HHI, in addition to measures of previous experience with heat, incorporates data on pre-existing health conditions, sociodemographic factors, and
natural and built environment characteristics, to assess vulnerability to extreme heat.
Note: Not all ZIP codes are represented by a ZCTA. For example, some ZIP codes that correspond to P.O. Box
addresses, businesses, military bases, organization-specific locations, and others may not be represented within
ZCTA boundaries.
Source
Source Description
The National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network) brings together health data and environment data from national, state, and city sources and provides supporting information to make the data easier to understand. The Tracking Network has data and information on environments and hazards, health effects, and population health.
On the Tracking Network, you can:
Use the Data Explorer to view interactive maps, tables, and charts
View Info by Location for county level data snapshots
Visit state & local tracking websites
CDC’s National Environmental Public Health Tracking Program created and maintains the Tracking Network. Learn more about Tracking.
Methodology
This indicator reports the heat and health index (HHI) score. The HHI comprises four (4) modules:
1. A Historical Heat and Health Burden module which captures measures of previous experience with heat
at the local level (ZCTA or ZIP code).
2. A Sensitivity module made of pre-existing health conditions that may increase risk of negative health
outcomes when the individual with the condition is exposed to extreme heat.
3. A Sociodemographic module encompassing social and demographic characteristics that increase
exposure or sensitivity to heat or lessen one’s ability to cope with extreme heat.
4. A Natural and Built Environment module which focuses on characteristics of the natural and built
environment that increase exposure or sensitivity to heat or lessen one’s ability to cope with extreme
heat.
Data Breakouts Available
- Natural and Built Environment
- Sociodemographic Index
- Sensitivity Index
- Historical Health and Health Burden Index
This indicator is available at the following subscription levels:
- Premium (currently viewing this indicator and report combination)