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Jonathan Haman

Urban Planner | Walkability Advocate | GIS Specialist

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American Walkability Atlas

Discover How Walkable America’s Communities Really Are

The American Walkability Atlas combines EPA walkability data, U.S. Census information, and GIS-based accessibility analysis to help planners, researchers, local governments, and residents explore walkability across hundreds of U.S. municipalities and neighborhoods.

American Walkability Atlas

beacon hill

Beacon Hill, Boston, exemplifies a traditional neighborhood—one that developed organically over time and is characterized by a pedestrian-friendly street network, a mix of land uses, and a compact urban form. Daily needs are typically located within walking distance, supporting a highly walkable environment (Duany et al., 2010). Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service (Beacon Hill, n.d.).

Measuring Walkability Across America’s Communities

The American Walkability Atlas is a nationally focused GIS resource that uses EPA National Walkability Index data, pedestrian accessibility modeling, and spatial analysis to explore walkability across municipalities, neighborhoods, metropolitan areas, and service areas throughout the United States.

Quick Statistics

6,000+

Municipalities

50+

Neighborhood Analysis

100+

Network Analysis

50 States

National Coverage

Interactive Maps

This is a preview of walkability at the municipal level. When you visit the Explore Municipal Analysis link below, you will see municipal boundaries displayed as graduated colors representing National Walkability Index scores, classified into seven categories from very low to very high walkability.

For a more detailed analysis, visit the Explore Neighborhood Analysis link to view neighborhood-level boundaries symbolized with graduated colors based on National Walkability Index scores. Neighborhoods are classified into seven categories, ranging from very low to very high walkability. Published means it is available to view while In Progress means its still being worked on.

This is a preview of service area accessibility analysis. When you visit the Explore Service Area Analysis link below, you will see areas reachable within 5-, 10-, and 15-minute walking times using real pedestrian street networks. These service areas follow actual streets, sidewalks, and pathways to provide a realistic representation of pedestrian accessibility from selected locations.

Municipal Walkability

Compare overall walkability across municipalities using the EPA National Walkability Index.

Explore Municipal Analysis →

Service Area Accessibility

Measure areas reachable within walking time using real pedestrian street networks.

Explore Service Areas →

Neighborhood Walkability

Analyze how walkability varies between neighborhoods within the same city.

Explore Neighborhood Analysis →

Planning Research Report

Review detailed planning reports that use GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and evidence-based research to support planning and policy decisions.

VIEW PLANNING REPORTS →

Featured Cities

Cities at the neighborhood level include but are not limited to:

  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Houston
  • Los Angeles
  • Pittsburgh
  • San Francisco

What Can I Learn Here?

What You’ll Discover

  • Compare Communities
    • See how neighborhoods perform on the EPA National Walkability Index.
  • Understand Urban Form
    • Explore how density, land-use mix, connectivity, and transit influence walkability.
  • Analyze Accessibility
    • View GIS-based pedestrian service areas showing destinations reachable within walking distance.
  • Support Planning Decisions
    • Use maps and data to inform planning, redevelopment, and community investment.
    • Notice these are benefits.
    • Not descriptions.

Why Walkability Matters

Walkability influences transportation choices, public health, economic development, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. Communities with connected street networks and nearby destinations often support healthier lifestyles, reduce automobile dependence, and strengthen local economies.

About the Data

Built Using:

  • EPA National Walkability Index
  • ArcGIS Pro
  • QGIS
  • Census TIGER/Line
  • EPA Smart Location Database
  • Walk Score comparisons
  • OpenStreetMap network analysis

Who This Atlas Is For?

  • Urban planners
  • GIS professionals
  • Researchers
  • Students
  • Local governments
  • Community organizations
  • Residents

About The Atlas

“Exploring America’s Walkability, One Community at a Time”

The American Walkability Atlas examines the EPA National Walkability Index across multiple geographic scales—including the nation, states, metropolitan areas, municipalities, neighborhoods, and pedestrian service areas—to better understand how the built environment supports walkability.

This website visualizes where pedestrian friendly design is strong and where it is lacking.

References

  • Beacon Hill (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2026, from https://www.nps.gov/places/beacon-hill.htm
  • Duany, A., Plater-Zyberk, E., & Speck, J. (2010). Suburban Nation: The Rise of Sprawl and the Decline of the American Dream (10th Anniversary). North Point Press.