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State Health Compare

Income inequality (Gini Coefficient)

Measure Overview

Income inequality contributes to health disparities. As we discuss in a SHADAC blog, “evidence shows that individuals with low incomes have overall increased risk for mental illness, chronic diseases (like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.), and cancer along with higher mortality rates.” Beyond low incomes, there is also evidence that income inequality is linked to poorer mental health and disparities in life expectancy. 

Short-term effects of low income and income inequality such as hunger, food insecurity, forgone health care, and housing instability can lead to long-term health consequences, making it important to identify and target populations experiencing high rates of income inequality who may be at risk for a number of poverty-related adverse health outcomes. This measure explores income inequality in America by looking at the U.S. Gini coefficient as well as providing users with income inequality (Gini coefficient) by state. 

Income Inequality by State: Breakdowns and Data Source

 
State Health Compare provides annual, state-level rates of income inequality using the Gini coefficient based on data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). The Gini coefficient is an index that summarizes the dispersion of income across the entire income distribution. Learn more about the Gini coefficient in this SHADAC blog.

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