EJSCREEN: Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping

EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJSCREEN) is one of the most widely used resources for understanding where environmental burdens and vulnerable populations intersect. EJSCREEN data combines environmental and demographic indicators to help identify communities that may warrant closer attention for environmental justice concerns – making it an essential starting point for researchers, planners, advocates, and policymakers alike.

What EJSCREEN Data Includes

Available at the census block group level across the entire United States, EJSCREEN data offers the most granular geographic resolution available for national-scale environmental justice analysis. The dataset integrates twelve environmental indicators – covering criteria air pollutants, toxic air releases, traffic proximity, lead paint exposure, Superfund site proximity, Risk Management Plan facility proximity, hazardous waste proximity, underground storage tanks, and wastewater discharge – with six key demographic indicators: minority population percentage, low-income households, unemployment rate, limited English proficiency, educational attainment, and population under age 5 or over age 64.

From these inputs, EJSCREEN calculates Environmental Justice Index scores that reflect the cumulative interaction between environmental burdens and demographic vulnerability – helping users pinpoint areas of disproportionate impact with standardized, nationally consistent metrics.

How EJSCREEN Data Is Used

EJSCREEN data supports a wide range of applications, including policy development, permitting decisions, enforcement prioritization, grant targeting, and community engagement. Because the data is standardized across the country, it enables meaningful comparisons between regions, cities, and neighborhoods – giving analysts the context they need to make informed, equity-driven decisions.

Access EJSCREEN Data Through Social Explorer

Social Explorer makes it easy to explore, map, and download EJSCREEN data alongside dozens of other demographic and environmental datasets. Whether you're conducting academic research, informing policy, or engaging your community, our platform gives you the tools to turn raw data into clear, actionable insights.

Sign up for a free trial today and get immediate access to EJSCREEN data.