The CDC assigns each community a Social Vulnerability Index score (SVI) from 0 to 1. The overall vulnerability score is determined by examining the socioeconomic status, household composition, disability status of residents, minority status, language of residents, housing type, and transportation in the community. In 2020, Gaston County has an SVI score of 0.71, indicating a moderate to high level of vulnerability. The higher the score, the less support the community has for responding to a natural disaster, pandemic, or other harmful event.