What is the AARP Livability™ Index?
RPR has partnered with the AARP Public Policy Institute to bring the AARP Livability™ Index to our residential property details pages (Neighborhood tab) and reports. Scores displayed in RPR are the result of comparisons of ZIP Codes across the U.S. for the services and amenities that make a community livable for people of all ages.
Score
The AARP Livability™ Index considers seven categories that are scored on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores representing greater livability. The Total Score is an average of the seven categories, with a score of 50 indicating an average score. Above-average communities will score higher than 50 and below-average communities will score lower.
Display
The AARP Livability™ Index is shown on our residential Neighborhood page and can be displayed in the Seller’s Report, Property Report, Mini Property Report, and Neighborhood Report.
Categories
Housing: Affordability and access
Neighborhood: Access to life, work, and play
Transportation: Safe and convenient options
Environment: Clean air and water
Health: Prevention, access, and quality
Engagement: Civic and social involvement
Opportunity: Inclusion and possibilities
Frequently Asked Questions
You can add or subtract the AARP Livability Index from your report by clicking the plus sign, next to the report name, on the Report page. This will open a list of report elements. To add, put a checkmark in the box next to AARP Livability Index or take out the checkmark to remove it.
The Livability Index is a web-based tool developed by the AARP Public Policy Institute to measure community livability on a scale of 0 to 100, with higher scores representing greater livability.
Scores shown in RPR are based on the ZIP Code, but you can click the View on AARP button to go to the AARP website, where you can search the Index by address, ZIP Code, city, or county and receive an overall score along with scores in each of seven livability categories.
There is no one definition of livability—it means different things to different people. Some prioritize convenient travel by foot, bike, or transit, while others prioritize access to affordable housing or open space. Communities that are truly livable offer diverse features that appeal to people of all ages, incomes, and abilities.
Livable communities benefit people of all ages. During a lifetime, people develop deep connections to their homes and communities. AARP’s definition of livability considers the likelihood that everyone can continue to enjoy the vibrant communities they know and love as they age.
While the Index focuses on great neighborhoods for all ages, AARP’s particular focus is on measuring and improving community livability as we age. When we plan for older adults, we plan for everyone. All measurement in the Index is relevant to people of any age; however, we chose metrics and policies with an eye toward how well a community meets the needs of its residents as they age. For instance, accessible transit systems and housing, age diversity, and commitment to age-friendly communities reflect a deliberate effort to measure how well a community meets the needs of an aging population.
The Livability Index takes a holistic approach to understanding livability. It wasn’t created to solely measure the quality of the built environment or the health of residents. It includes those elements, but it also considers engagement, opportunity, and the natural environment. It encourages policymakers and professionals to get outside their areas of expertise and understand the interrelated nature of livability. For example, public health is influenced both by access to quality care and by neighborhoods that provide ample opportunity for people to be active as part of their daily lives.
The Index is also unique in that it allows measurement by address or ZIP Code and reports scores for every neighborhood in the United States. Previous indices have provided neighborhood-level analysis for the entire country, but for only one category of livability. Others have offered neighborhood-level analysis for many categories of livability, but only for a single city, using local data.
AARP determined that nothing as comprehensive as the Livability Index existed to assess livability at the neighborhood level when we were assessing ways to strengthen our understanding of livable communities. This was echoed by our state office staff, who needed an on-the-ground picture of how to improve neighborhoods and communities within their states. The Livability Index was created to help fill this gap and promote ways to improve livability. The Livability Index is intended to prompt community conversations and action regarding livable communities.
Need Help?
If you need additional assistance, contact RPR Member Support at (877) 977-7576 or open a Live Chat from any page of the website.
