Neighborhoods at Risk
See where climate change is likely to impact the most vulnerable people.
A note from our Director regarding COVID-19
How communities reduce flood risk: five midwestern case studies
Communities highlighted in this report have successfully reduced flood risk through strategic partnerships, innovative solutions, and creative funding.
Montana wildfire risk is widespread and growing
The number of western Montana homes in areas with high wildfire hazard has doubled, outpacing development rates in areas with low wildfire hazard.
Fiscal policy is failing rural America
State and federal fiscal policies hurt rural communities by limiting how local governments can grow, diversify, and invest revenue.
Building funding strategies for flood mitigation projects
This guide provides advice for developing funding strategies for flood mitigation projects, including where to find funding and how to make an economic pitch for mitigation projects.
Explore COVID-19 unemployment by county
As U.S. jobless claims reach historic levels from the coronavirus pandemic, find the latest county-level unemployment numbers.
Land use planning can reduce wildfire risk to homes and communities
Land use planning can help communities become fire-adapted and resilient in the face of increasing wildfire potential.
Wildfire Risk to Communities: A tool to understand, explore, and reduce risk
The new Wildfire Risk to Communities website—developed by the USDA Forest Service in partnership with Headwaters Economics and Pyrologix—offers maps and data about community wildfire risk nationwide.
The Changing Geography of U.S. Electricity Generation
Most U.S. states are adding electricity generation capacity faster than capacity is being retired. Renewable energy adds the most capacity in 18 states.
The Evolution of U.S. Electricity Generation Capacity
The capacity to generate electricity has transitioned from coal to natural gas to renewable energy, a trend projected to continue.
Headwaters Economics
An independent, nonprofit research group that works to improve community development and land management decisions.
Our Data Tools
Explore our free data tools
Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire
Community Planning Assistance for Wildfire (CPAW) works with communities to reduce wildfire risk through improved land use planning. The program is a partnership of Headwaters Economics, Wildfire Planning International, and the USDA Forest Service.