Food Access Guides
Plain-language guides to understanding food deserts, food access data, and food security across the United States.
Each guide draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and the USDA Economic Research Service, covering 3,144 counties and all 51 states.
Low-access share is not SNAP share
According to the USDA Economic Research Service Food Access Research Atlas (2019) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2024), Nye County, NV is #1 of 1,795 by low-access share (87.1%) at SNAP rank 965 of 3,139 (14.9%) ≠ Kusilvak Census Area, AK #1 SNAP at 51.4% at 0.0% low-access, outside the 20,000-resident low-access ranking.
- 87.1%
- Nye County, NV low-access (#1)
- #965
- Nye County, NV SNAP rank
- 51.4%
- Kusilvak Census Area, AK SNAP (#1)
- 8,176
- Kusilvak Census Area, AK residents (under floor)
Low-access ranking uses counties with at least 20,000 residents. SNAP ranking includes every county with a SNAP rate. USDA Food Access Research Atlas (2019) and Census ACS 2024 5-year estimates.
Understanding Food Access Data
What Census ACS food access indicators measure, how SNAP participation and poverty relate to food access, and what the numbers actually show.
What Are Food Deserts?
How the USDA defines low-access areas, the differences between urban and rural food deserts, and how limited food access connects to health outcomes.
Food Security by County
Geographic patterns in U.S. food access, which counties face the biggest challenges, and the structural factors driving disparities.
SNAP Benefits Explained
How SNAP works, who qualifies, how much benefits provide, and how participation rates vary dramatically across U.S. counties.
Transportation Barriers and Food Access
Why distance to a grocery store is misleading without knowing how people travel, and what vehicle access data reveals about food insecurity.
Explore the data directly: Browse by state · Search counties · Worst food deserts · Highest SNAP rates
Methodology
Our guides are based on publicly available data from authoritative government sources. All statistics, ratings, and figures cited in these guides are drawn directly from official datasets and publications, with sources clearly referenced throughout.
We aim to present complex government data in plain language that is accessible to general audiences. When methodologies differ between data sources or change over time, we note these variations inline. Our editorial process includes regular reviews to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.
Download the county food-access extract cited on this page: plainfoodaccess-food-access.csv (USDA ERS Food Access Research Atlas + Census ACS · public domain sources).