Area-Level Economic Opportunity Modifies the Income-Health Gradient in the United States

In this study, researchers examined whether living in a county with greater economic opportunity changes the relationship between household income and health among working-age adults in the United States. Using data from more than 434,000 adults across 368 counties, the study explored whether opportunity can help narrow the health gap between higher- and lower-income populations.

• Economic opportunity is associated with better health at every income level. Adults living in counties with higher levels of economic opportunity were more likely to report good health, regardless of their household income.
• Lower-income individuals benefit the most from living in high-opportunity communities. For adults in the lowest income decile, an increase in local economic opportunity was associated with a substantial improvement in self-reported health, closing nearly one-third of the health gap between the lowest- and highest-income groups.
• Lower-income individuals benefit the most from living in high-opportunity communities. For adults in the lowest income decile, an increase in local economic opportunity was associated with a substantial improvement in self-reported health, closing nearly one-third of the health gap between the lowest- and highest-income groups.

This study found that where people live matters for their health. Adults living in communities with greater economic opportunity reported better health overall, and the benefits were especially strong for those with lower incomes. These findings suggest that creating places where people have a better chance to get ahead—through access to good jobs, quality education, and pathways for upward mobility—may help improve health and reduce health disparities across communities.