Collected Research
Understanding Health Disparities.
Explore the stark variations in life expectancy across Chicago neighborhoods, the unequal distribution of wealth influenced by historical factors, and the impact of neighborhood violence on community health outcomes. The following charts are sourced from various research sources.
The Life Expectancy Gap
In Chicago, your neighborhood can determine your life expectancy, varying by more than 15 years. Black Chicagoans experience a life expectancy gap of 10 years compared to their white counterparts.
Life Expectancy
Hover over the map to see your neighborhood’s life expectancy.
For comparison, life expectancy in the Loop is 80.1 years.
Data source: Chicago Health Atlas
Unequal Spread of Wealth
Segregation and racism in Chicago have led to significant disparities in wealth distribution. Explore below to see how wealth is unevenly spread across the city.
Wealth distribution
Segregation and racism in Chicago's past has caused wealth to be unevenly spread out.
Almost all Black communities have below average income in Chicago.
Unmet Mental Health Treatment Needs
Because of this, Black people in Chicago face more challenges getting support in the face of common mental health stressors .
Mental health
Almost all Black communities have high rates of people struggling to get support for mental health.
Impacts of Violence on Health
Research indicates that exposure to neighborhood violence increases the risk of diseases like lung cancer. Chronic stress from violence can exacerbate health disparities among different communities.
Violence and Health
Hover over to see neighborhoods by homicide rate.
What to make of this?
Learn About Our Findings
Health Disparities and Stress
Increases in stress due to health disparities contribute to poor health and cancer risk.
Rates of Death for Black Men
Black men have higher rates of death for several diseases, including lung cancer.
Violence and Disease
Exposure to neighborhood violence may increase risks of lung cancer and disease.