Map shows which Bay Area households have AC. Some need it, but don’t have it
Nestled in the Diablo and Ygnacio valleys between ranges of hills, Concord can swelter.
TL;DR
- Climate change is leading to more frequent heat waves in the Bay Area.
- An analysis examined AC access, temperature, income, and home age at the Census tract level.
- Four Corners in Concord has high heat risk but lower AC access (66%) compared to similar areas (88%).
- Low income correlates with lower AC access and increased health risks during heat waves.
- San Francisco has low AC access (34%) due to its cool climate, while some hot areas in Solano County have high AC access (97%).
- Nighttime cooling and cooling centers are utilized, but concerns remain for vulnerable populations.
- Income and home age are key factors influencing AC ownership beyond just heat demand.
- Some affluent areas lack high AC access, and some high-income areas have high AC access despite moderate heat.