Housing, Neighborhoods, & Health
More residents have sidewalks and walking paths near their homes, but some face unhealthy living conditions – especially renters, and low-income residents.
Path Access
2021
53%
2026
57%
Park Access
2021
39%
2026
41%
In your neighborhood, is/are there sidewalks or walking paths, a park, or
a playground?
Why this matters?
Affordable, safe, and stable housing supports well-being, while cost burdens—spending 30% or more of income on housing—often force trade-offs like skipping medical care or nutritious food. Location shapes our access to safe spaces, environmental conditions, resources, and opportunities.
Where you live matters to your health. Poor housing conditions, such as mold that triggers asthma, and the stress of possible eviction take a measurable toll on physical and mental health. For example, 12% of residents with mold or mildew are three times as likely to have COPD compared to 4% without these housing issues.
Proximity to amenities like sidewalks, walking paths, parks, and playgrounds can encourage physical active transportation and recreation, making it easier to be physically active – a building block of good health. Though there is a wide variety among the counties, overall, more residents report sidewalks or walking paths near their homes than in 2021 – a positive shift for the built environment. The quality, safety, and upkeep of these amenities are as important as their presence; litter, blight, and vandalism can also signal the need for investment.
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
The 2026 edition of the Greater Evansville Health Survey is a product of Welborn
in partnership with Diehl Consulting Group and Liz Tharp Consulting. View the survey methodology.