2025 Community Health Assessment for Durham County: Impact of Income on Health

The 2025 Community Health Assessment for Durham County reveals household income as a pivotal factor affecting residents' health and well-being.

This comprehensive triennial assessment, conducted by the Durham County Department of Public Health, Partnership for a Healthy Durham, and Duke Health, sheds light on the multifaceted health challenges facing the community. The findings are set to influence public health initiatives, resource allocation, and strategic planning. With project findings showing higher participation rates than ever before, data highlights key issues such as housing quality, insurance gaps, financial stress, and food insecurity.

Unpacking the Findings: Key Determinants of Health

Presented to the Durham County Board of Commissioners by Public Health Director Rodney Jenkins, the survey underscores that affordable housing is a primary concern, with 54% of respondents indicating it as the principal obstacle. The cost of food and homelessness was also noted, affecting 48% and 37% of residents, respectively. The Duke Health study emphasizes the significant role of social determinants beyond medical care in health outcomes.

For those earning less than $75,000, the challenges multiply. This demographic reports more difficulty securing housing and healthcare and higher levels of depression or anxiety. Alarmingly, 90% of respondents experiencing insurance lapses fall within this income bracket. These statistics reiterate the vital connection between income and access to essential needs.

Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges

The 2025 assessment echoes insights from its 2022 predecessor, where affordable housing, healthcare access, mental health, and community safety were highlighted as community priorities. Since then, Duke Health has pioneered numerous initiatives, such as school wellness centers and community mental health programs, addressing these pressing issues.

The recent increase in reported insurance lapses—from 11.2% in 2022 to 19% in 2025—calls for attention. While methodological changes are partly responsible, the trend indicates persistent challenges that demand comprehensive strategies.

Methodology and Strategic Implications

This year's assessment deployed a new methodology using contractors and community settings rather than the traditional volunteer approach. This resulted in significantly higher participation rates, prompting officials to analyze the data carefully, considering these methodological differences.

Duke Health intends to leverage these insights to enhance community health strategies, collaborating closely with local partners. Health officials stress the importance of shared leadership in driving progress, underscoring collaborative efforts as crucial for sustained community health improvements.