The following resources list can help organizations identify underserved populations in their communities. Underserved populations may include but are not limited to individuals living in areas with high exposure to negative environmental conditions, who are low-income, persons with disabilities, individuals with less than a high school education, those with limited English proficiency, populations experiencing low life expectancy, older adults, veterans, and persons of color. Negative environmental conditions may include high air pollution (Particulate Matter 2.5), and low tree canopy coverage (less than 30%). This list is not exhaustive and is not organized in a specific order and is only being made available to support communities in identifying underserved populations.
Priority Areas Map | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The Priority Areas map shows all census tracts in Minnesota that have a supplemental demographic index score in the 70th percentile or higher as identified using the United State Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool methodology provided in the United State Environmental Protection Agency’s environmental justice technical documentation dated July 31, 2024.
The supplemental demographic index is a combination of five socioeconomic factors averaged together for each Census block group. The supplemental demographic index can provide an additional perspective on potential community vulnerability. The formula is as follows: supplemental demographic index = (% low-income + % persons with disabilities + % less than high school education + % limited English speaking + low life expectancy) / 5.
Rapid Assessment Community Tree Viewer | Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The Rapid assessment community tree viewer helps Minnesota communities track how their tree cover has changed over time. Users can also download community level reports.
Understanding environmental justice in Minnesota | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
This tool helps identify areas that may benefit from increased community engagement and additional evaluation for disproportionate adverse effects from pollution.
Growing Shade | Metropolitan Council
Growing Shade is an interactive resource to inform tree canopy enhancement and preservation for the Twin Cities region. This tool is limited to the seven-county metro area.
Tree Equity Score | American Forests
Tree Equity Score measures how the benefits of trees are distributed throughout your community at the census block group level. The tool considers multiple factors, including unemployment rates, health burdens, and the proportion of people of color. Areas with lower scores may benefit from increased canopy cover and engagement. Some smaller communities may not be analyzed.
TreeCanopy.us | Arbor Day Foundation & Partners
An interactive mapping tool to visualize tree canopy data in select cities and plan for the community forest based on specific priorities, including canopy, planting space, vulnerable populations, and urban heat. Some smaller communities may not be analyzed.
Data.census.gov | United State Census Bureau
Demographic, economic, and social data for Minnesota cities and townships from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. Data may be more easily accessible via Quick Facts. In both tools, search your area of interest (e.g., St. Paul MN) and the available data will be featured.
Area Median Income (AMI) Table | State of Minnesota
Area median income (AMI) shows the middle of what households in a defined area earn according to household size. Applicants and grantees typically use a percentage of AMI to define low-income in their communities. You can determine what that income threshold is for your community in the linked table.