Reflections: How has the region's health changed since 2021?
Access to Health Care
Celebrating the progress: 85% of adults received a routine preventive care checkup in the past year, up from 80% in 2021. And 85% of adults say their households receive the physical health care they need.
But more progress is needed: Far fewer adults, 67%, say their households receive the mental healthcare they need.
Low-income residents are also less likely to get their physical or mental healthcare needs met.
Alcohol Use
26% of adults report binge drinking, down from 29% in 2021.
Arthritis
25% of adults are diagnosed with some form of arthritis, the same rate as in 2021.
Blood Pressure
32% of adults are diagnosed with high blood pressure, the same rate as in 2021.
Cholesterol
Adult cholesterol rates have risen from 23% in 2021 to 26% in 2026.
Diabetes
10% of adults are diagnosed with some form of diabetes, the same rate as in 2021.
Heart Disease
The regional rate of adults with heart disease is 6%, statistically similar to the 2021 rate of 5%.
Housing, Neighborhoods, & Health
More homes report being close to sidewalks and paths, (57% vs 53% in 2021) and parks or playgrounds (41% vs 39% in 2021).
Mental Health
The rate of adults diagnosed with depression is 23%, higher than in 2021 (20%).
Anxiety is on the rise as well (30% in 2026 vs 22% in 2021).
More adults (31%) are told to reduce stress than in 2021 (25%).
Residents report more days where their mental health is “not good” per month (5.4 days in 2021, 6.1 days in 2026).
Nutrition
21% of the region’s residents want to, but are unable to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables, similar to 23% in 2021.
Number of days per month physical health was "Not Good"
Adults report spending more time per month in poor physical health (4.1 days in 2021, 4.9 days in 2026).
Overall health is "Excellent" or "Very Good"
Fewer adults consider their health to be excellent or very good (46% in 2021, 40% in 2026).
Overall health is "Fair" or "Poor"
18% of residents consider their health fair or poor, the same rate as in 2021.
Physical Activity
More residents are meeting physical activity recommendations. 54% meet physical activity requirements, up from 49% in 2021.
Respiratory Illness & Disease
Rates are holding steady for adult asthma (10% 2026, 8% 2021,) and COPD (6% 2026, 5% 2021).
Smoking
Cigarette smoking is down, 9% smoke vs 12% in 2021.
Electronic cigarette use (e.g. vaping) is on the rise. 9% of the region use e-cigs compared to 1% in 2021.
Weight
Obesity rates are statistically similar for the region. 33% of adults fell into obese category vs 35% in 2021.
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.