Supported by the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy
Tract Analysis
Tract Scatter Explorer
This tool compares census tracts using the Food Pantry Desert Index - the core planning measure used across this project - along with local community conditions.
The Food Pantry Desert Index is a normalized planning measure (0-100) that summarizes estimated unmet need and access conditions. It is the measure used to generate the Food Pantry Desert Rating shown across the site.
Each point represents a census tract. Compare the index with poverty, food insecurity, transportation barriers, and other community conditions to support local planning.
Patterns shown here are descriptive and support planning conversations. Confirm local conditions with partners on the ground.
How to use this view
- Start with Food Pantry Desert Index on the Y-axis and poverty rate on the X-axis.
- Compare the index with one community condition (SNAP, no-vehicle households, food insecurity, income).
- Look for clusters of tracts with both high need and limited access.
- Use results to guide local follow-up or coordination.
Compare tract measures
Choose two measures to compare, then optionally scale points by a third measure.
Loading tract data...
Hover over variable labels in selectors or axis titles to see plain-language definitions and data sources. Point hover shows tract GEOID, Food Pantry Desert Rating, Food Pantry Desert Index, selected axis values, and a Missouri location inset. Click a point to pin the tooltip; press Esc to clear.
Variable guide
These are the measures available in the explorer. Food Pantry Desert Index is the primary planning measure, while Estimated Unmet Pantry Need provides supporting detail.
Food Pantry Desert measures
| Measure | Definition | Source |
|---|---|---|
Food Pantry Desert Index (0-100) (food_pantry_desert_index) |
Normalized planning measure summarizing estimated unmet pantry need and access conditions. Higher values indicate higher planning priority. | Project model combining CDC PLACES food insecurity estimates and pantry access data |
| Food Pantry Desert Rating | Public four-level classification used across the site: Very High, High, Moderate, Lower (plus Insufficient data when needed). | Project classification based on Food Pantry Desert Index inputs |
Estimated Unmet Pantry Need (count) (unmet_pantry_need) |
Estimated number of food-insecure adults beyond reasonable reach of nearby food pantry locations. | Project calculations using CDC PLACES and pantry location data |
Unmet Pantry Need per 1,000 adults (unmet_pantry_need_rate_per_1000) |
Estimated unmet pantry need scaled per 1,000 adults to support tract-to-tract comparison. | Project calculations using CDC PLACES and pantry location data |
Community conditions
| Measure | Definition | Source |
|---|---|---|
food_insecurity_pct, poverty_rate_pct, snap_household_rate_pct |
Food insecurity, poverty, and SNAP reliance indicators for local planning comparisons. | CDC PLACES and U.S. Census Bureau ACS (5-year) |
no_vehicle_household_rate_pct, severe_rent_burden_rate_pct, unemployment_rate_pct |
Transportation and economic pressure indicators that can increase access challenges. | U.S. Census Bureau ACS (5-year) |
median_household_income, total_population, usda_tract_pct18, usda_tract_pct12 |
Income, population, and USDA school-meal proxy indicators that provide local context for food access planning. | U.S. Census Bureau ACS (5-year) and USDA school meals data |
Need source-level background? See FAQ.