These data contain selected census tract level demographic indicators (estimates) from the 2015-2019 American Community Survey representing the percent of the population (for all persons) with annual income below the federal poverty level.

This census tract geography dataset was created in 2017 by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The lead exposure risk index is based on average neighborhood housing age and poverty rate, which are the two most common risk factors for lead poisoning. The index is calculated by combining three different types of U.S. Census demographic data: 1) estimates of the number of housing units built in different time periods, 2) estimates of the overall poverty rate, and 3) estimates of the population of children under age 6. All input data is taken from the U.S. Census American Community Survey’s (ACS) 2011-2015 five-year population estimates for census tracts in Colorado (B17001, B25034, & C17002 data files). The methodology is an adaptation of a method developed by the Washington State Department of Health. More details about this methodology can be found here.

This archived dataset displays disproportionately impacted communities as defined by the demographic criteria listed in the Environmental Justice Act (HB21-1266), which are census block groups where greater than 40% of households are 1) low income, 2) housing cost-burdened, or 3) include people of color. This version of the map was effective from September 2021 to January 22, 2023. The disproportionately impacted community map layer was updated on January 23, 2023 to include census block groups with an EnviroScreen score over the 80th percentile. These areas reflect another criteria listed in the Environmental Justice Act for identifying disproportionately impacted communities based on cumulative environmental impacts. The Environmental Justice Action Task Force recommended using 80th percentile EnviroScreen scores to identify areas that meet this statutory criteria in its Final Recommendations published in November 2022. The updated map layer can be viewed and accessed through Colorado EnviroScreen. NOTE: Areas under the jurisdiction of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe are not displayed on this map, pending further consultation with each sovereign tribal government.Footnotes:+ All data come from the American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates, 2015-2019.+ Low income households are defined as households at or living below 200% of the federal poverty level.+ Percent people of color is defined as the percent of the population that is not non-Hispanic white+ Housing burden is defined as housing costs exceeding 30% of income. This measure is only available at the census tract level, so all block groups within a census tract received the census tract-level value.This is an archived map layer that CDPHE used to identify disproportionately impacted communities based on three demographic factors identified in the Environmental Justice Act (HB21-1266) from September 2021-January 22, 2023. It specifically identifies communities where more than 40% of the population is low-income, housing cost-burdened, or identifies as minority. CDPHE has added additional information on communities with cumulative impacts through the Colorado EnviroScreen project. Colorado EnviroScreen is the sole tool for identifying disproportionately impacted communities pursuant to the statutory definition after it is released. CDPHE will periodically update the tool, and the Air Quality Control Commission will undertake formal rulemakings to update the definition of Disproportionately Impacted Community at least every three years. Additionally, the Environmental Justice Action Task Force may recommend changes to the statutory definition of the Disproportionately Impacted Community to the legislature. If you have questions about these processes, please email cdphe_ej@state.co.us.