Comparing Vulnerabilities in Iowa
The following small multiple choropleths display the percent of senior citizens, population density, percent of Hispanic individuals, and total amount of cases of COVID-19 in Iowa counties. Studies have shown that certain populations are more at risk for comtracting COVID-19 that others, so I thought it would be interesting to visualize these variables and factors.
Classes:
Classification:
Senior Citizens
Percentage of population above 65 years old
This map displays the percent of residents within each county in Iowa that are aged 65 or older. There is a greater clustering of seniors in the north, south and western portions of the state with lower populations in the south east. Individuals in this age group have a naturally weakened immune system, due to their age and increased likeliness to have preexisting health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. These factors are also vulnerabilities to COVID-19.
Population Density
Amount of People per Square Mile
This map offers the population density, which is the amount of people per square mile in each Iowa county. Generally, there appears to be more densely populated counties in the easter portion of the state, and into the central portion. People that live more closely together have less of an ability to practice social distancing, which is a guideline recommended by the CDC to prevent contracting the virus. This puts these populations at a higher risk of getting COVID-19.
Total Cases of COVID-19
The total amount of cases of COVID-19 per county as of May 13, 2020
This map displays the total amount of cases of COVID-19 in each county of Iowa. There are lower amounts of cases in the northern portion of the state, as well as along the southern border. There are the highest amounts of cases along the central portion of the state in a band-like shape running from the east to the west. This map aligns with the population density map rather well, which is not surprising as one of the most effective ways to spread this disease is through close contact with others.
Hispanic Population
Percentage of population that is Hispanic
This map displays the percent of the population that is Hispanic throughout Iowa counties. The distribution of the Hispanic population is relatively even throughout the state, with slightly higher amounts of Hispanic people in the north western portion of the state. Studies have shown that a dis proportionate amount of Hispanic people have contracted COVID-19, due to several factors. Some of these factors are that Hispanic people often live and work in closer proximities to other people, reducing their ability to social distance and increasing their risk of getting COVID-19, unfortunately.