ECONOMIC STABILITY
Economic stability is the foundation of community health. It is more than just a paycheck—it’s the key to navigating life’s daily demands and building a better future. When financial health is strong, people can afford safe housing, healthy food, and healthcare. But without it, meeting even basic needs becomes a struggle, and social and mental health suffer.
Research shows a direct link between income and health: as income rises, the risk of disease and premature death drops. In the Indy Health District, economic segregation—where lower incomes lead to underfunded public resources—creates ripple effects across the community. This can limit access to essentials like well-resourced schools, reliable transportation, fresh food, and spaces for social and cultural connection.
Explore the links and icons below to dive into the data, including historical and comparative insights. These stories are more than statistics—they’re the foundation for building a brighter, more equitable future for everyone in our community. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of economic stability in our district.
POVERTY RATE
The percentage of the population with income below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The Federal Poverty Level is an annual income benchmark used to determine eligibility for governmental services and benefits.
The goal of the Indy Health District is to see a decrease in the percentage of district households experiencing poverty over time as an indicator of improved economic stability district-wide.
People and households who live in poverty struggle to make ends meet and pay for basic necessities such as stable housing, food, childcare, and healthcare. Poverty has a direct influence on health and well-being. People experiencing poverty have poorer health outcomes and lower life expectancy than those not experiencing poverty. The Poverty Rate varies among groups based on race/ethnicity, age, and location. You can explore these differences in the charts and maps.
POVERTY RATE
Note: Areas outlined in black represent the district.
DID YOU KNOW?
People experiencing poverty are at a higher risk for diabetes. This can be due, in part, to limited access to affordable quality food, safe physical activity environments, and high-quality health care.
Housing-cost-burdened households
The percentage of households paying more than 30% of combined household income on housing costs—either rent or mortgage—and associated housing payments (including insurance and utilities).
The goal of the Indy Health District is to see a decrease in the percentage of district households experiencing housing-cost burden.
Cost-burdened households not only face housing insecurity and worries about losing their housing, but they have less money remaining to pay for other necessities such as food, childcare, and medical care. Safe, quality housing is important to health and well-being for children and adults, and housing cost burden has been linked to poor mental and physical health.
The rate of Housing Cost Burden varies between renters vs homeowners and by location. You can explore these differences in the charts and map.
PERCENT OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING 30% OR MORE ON HOUSING
Note: Areas outlined in black represent the district.
DID YOU KNOW?
In a study of millions of records from 2000-2018, the risk of death increased sharply among renters as their housing cost burden went above 30%. Experiencing an eviction judgment increased the death rate by 40%. (Graetz et al, 2024).