Researchers at the Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI) have uncovered significant areas of vulnerability within Dallas County, revealing that pockets of high vulnerability exist even in ZIP Codes with low overall risk ratings. This analysis, utilizing PCCI’s Community Vulnerability Compass (CVC), identifies specific block groups facing severe socio-economic and health challenges despite being situated in more affluent or low-risk areas.
The CVC evaluates 26 clinical and socio-economic indicators at various geographic levels, including ZIP Codes, census tracts, and block groups. It provides a comprehensive view of where the most vulnerable residents are located and the underlying factors contributing to their difficulties. The analysis aims to facilitate targeted assistance and support by revealing precise needs within communities.
While traditionally, the focus has been on high vulnerability in the south and southeast regions of Dallas County, PCCI’s findings highlight that significant disparities also exist in other parts of the county. Specifically, the analysis identified 18 ZIP Codes with low overall vulnerability but containing 48 block groups rated as high or very high in vulnerability. These 18 ZIP Codes have a combined population of 590,971, with 72,954 (12.3%) residing in highly vulnerable block groups.
For instance, ZIP Code 75206, located in Greenland Hills, is rated very low overall by the CVC but includes four block groups with high or very high vulnerability. This ZIP Code has a total population of 38,209, with 2,661 residents (7%) in highly vulnerable areas. Similarly, ZIP Code 75254, north of the Galleria, has an overall low vulnerability rating but includes eight high or very high vulnerability block groups, affecting 12,522 (52.1%) of its 24,047 residents. Additionally, ZIP Code 75230, a more affluent area, contains a block group with very high vulnerability.
Steve Miff, PhD, President and CEO of PCCI, emphasized the importance of this detailed analysis: “CVC empowers us with refined geographic precision to examine our broader community and uncover data that provides a high-resolution understanding of social vulnerability factors within other micro-geographies in our community. We hope this insight will aid public health leaders, policymakers, and community organizations in addressing disparities and improving lives across Dallas County.”
The PCCI’s Community Vulnerability Compass offers a new level of detail to enhance efforts in addressing and mitigating social and economic vulnerabilities throughout the county.
