Community Resilience Estimates

The Community Resilience Estimates (CRE), produced by the U.S. Census Bureau, is a statistical tool designed to measure the ability of communities to withstand and recover from disruptive events, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, and public health crises. The CRE provides data on factors that influence community resilience, offering insights into the vulnerability of populations based on a range of social, economic, and health-related variables.

The CRE identifies individuals and households that may be at greater risk during emergencies due to factors such as age, disability status, income level, access to healthcare, and housing conditions. By combining data from the American Community Survey (ACS) with other administrative records, the CRE estimates the proportion of people in a community who face heightened challenges in responding to and recovering from disruptions.This data is essential for government agencies, emergency management officials, and local planners who need to target resources and plan interventions effectively. The CRE helps identify communities where residents are more likely to be adversely affected by emergencies, allowing for better-prepared responses and tailored recovery efforts. It supports the development of policies aimed at reducing vulnerability and promoting long-term resilience.

The CRE is also valuable for researchers, public health professionals, and nonprofit organizations. It offers a data-driven approach to studying how social determinants of health influence community well-being and can be used to assess the effectiveness of resilience-building initiatives. Moreover, it helps inform strategies for improving infrastructure, social services, and community support networks, ensuring that vulnerable populations are better equipped to handle future challenges.