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Arthritis
Arthritis rates have not changed, and low-income, older, and obese residents remain disproportionately affected.
Arthritis
2021
25%
2026
25%
Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional told you in the past 12 months that you have (or still have) some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia?
Why this matters?
These conditions can cause pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, increased healthcare costs, and can interfere with physical activity and social connections.
Arthritis and related chronic conditions are a leading cause of disability. There are more than 100 types of arthritis affecting joints, connective tissue, and other organs. A leading cause of work disability among adults, the economic burden is reflected in medical costs as well as lost wages. Nationally, these costs have been estimated at over $300 billion annually.
While not all types are preventable, symptoms can often be managed with medication and lifestyle changes.
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure rates in the region remain steady, but different segments of the population are affected disproportionately.
High Blood Pressure
2021
32%
2026
32%
Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional told you in the past 12 months that you have (or still have) high blood pressure?
Why this matters?
High blood pressure happens when the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. High blood pressure can lead to serious illness, premature death, and increased healthcare costs.
Known as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure or hypertension often has no symptoms. Many people are unaware of high blood pressure until serious complications occur, such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, or cognitive decline.
Blood pressure is measured as systolic over diastolic pressure, with normal readings under 120/80 mm Hg. Stage 1 hypertension begins at 130/80, and Stage 2 at 140/90. Despite the risks, only about one in five adults with hypertension have their condition under control.
Once diagnosed, prompt intervention is recommended, including lifestyle changes and medication when necessary. Lifestyle changes might include eating a nutritious diet, being physically active, and maintaining or achieving a healthy weight. All these things can play a role in keeping blood pressure healthy.
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
Cholesterol
Adult cholesterol rates are on the rise and are highest in non-Hispanic adults and those with obesity.
Cholesterol
2021
23%
2026
26%
Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional told you in the past 12 months that you have (or still have) high blood cholesterol?
Why this matters?
Cholesterol levels are impacted by genetics, diet, and physical activity. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, a leading cause of death in the U.S. Like high blood pressure, another heart disease risk, high cholesterol typically shows no symptoms.
Cholesterol serves essential functions in the body but can be harmful in excess. This waxy substance circulates in the bloodstream as LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which can build up and block arteries, and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, which helps remove LDL. High LDL levels increase heart disease risk, while healthy HDL levels are protective.
Adults should be screened every five years from age 20, or more often if at higher risk. About 11% of U.S. adults have high total cholesterol (≥240 mg/dL).
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
Diabetes
Diabetes rates are holding steady over time, but rates differ by weight, race/ethnicity, and income factors.
Diabetes
2021
10%
2026
10%
Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional told you in the past 12 months that you have (or still have) diabetes?
Why this matters?
Diabetes can occur at any age and occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels remain elevated because the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively. Without proper management, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney damage.
Diabetes has broad implications for those it impacts. It remains relatively rare among younger adults, but increases to 15% in the 40+ year old population. Roughly 15% of U.S. adults have diabetes, 23% undiagnosed, highlighting the importance of routine screening.
Risks and complications can be reduced through maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, consistent glucose monitoring (blood or HbA1c), medical management including medications or insulin if needed, and regular check-ups, including eye and foot exams to detect complications early.
Diabetes Spotlight
Type 1 (Insulin-dependent):
Gestational:
This type occurs during pregnancy in 5-9% of women; if untreated, can cause complications and increase future diabetes risk. Usually resolves after pregnancy.
Type 2 (Non-insulin-dependent):
Other specific types:
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
Heart Disease
Heart disease rates are fairly steady, with much higher rates by weight status and chronic disease conditions.
Heart Disease
2021
5%
2026
6%
Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional told you in the past 12 months that you have (or still have) angina or coronary heart disease?
Why this matters?
Heart disease (or cardiovascular disease) claims roughly 1 of every 4 deaths in the U.S. and contributes to hefty direct and indirect costs from healthcare expense to lost wages. It is also a major cause of disability, impacting not only longevity but quality of life.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Heart disease can include coronary artery disease, a buildup of plaque in the heart’s arteries, heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmia, congenital heart defects, heart valve disease, and more. Symptoms may include pressure or discomfort in the chest, shoulder, arm, neck, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, dizziness, fluttering in the chest, racing, or slow heartbeat, swelling in the belly or legs, and more.
Prevention centers on avoiding tobacco, being physically active, choosing good nutrition, limiting alcohol, getting quality sleep, and maintaining healthy cholesterol, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and stress levels.
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
Mental Health
Depression and anxiety show a worsening trend with even higher rates among sub-populations and those associated with certain life conditions.
Anxiety
2021
22%
2026
30%
Depression
2021
20%
2026
23%
Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional told you in the past 12 months that you have (or still have):
- A depressive disorder (including depression, major depression, dysthymia, or minor depression)?
- Any type of anxiety (including acute stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, or social anxiety disorder)?
Why this matters?
Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being shapes how we think, feel, and act. Good mental health improves our ability to have healthy relationships, enjoy life, learn and develop, and cope with life’s challenges. Mental health conditions not only increase the risk of not living life to the fullest but can also contribute to self-harm, poor physical health, and chronic illness such as heart disease.
Mental health is a crucial factor in overall well-being, quality, and longevity of life. Our mental health is influenced over the lifespan by factors such as family dynamics, family history, biological traits (including genetics and brain chemistry), and life experiences—both positive and negative.
Depression may include persistent sadness or hopelessness, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or thoughts of self-harm. Anxiety may involve excessive or irrational fear, worry, or panic. These conditions may also look very different from person to person.
In addition to more adults reporting a depressive disorder and anxiety, they also report more days of troubled mental health per month; days where their mental health is “not good.” (5.4 days in 2021, 6.1 days in 2026)
Especially given worsening trends, communities should examine access to quality and affordable prevention, early intervention, and treatment options. See Access to Physical and Mental Health Care section for more on the subject of access. Individual strategies can include maintaining overall health and well-being, receiving routine medical care, staying connected to social support systems, and learning to recognize warning signs. Treatment for established conditions may involve psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
Respiratory Illness & Disease
Smoking, or living with a smoker, significantly increases the risks of adult asthma and COPD.
Asthma
2021
8%
2026
10%
COPD
2021
5%
2026
6%
Has a doctor, nurse, or other health professional told you in the past 12 months that you have (or still have) asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or chronic bronchitis?
*Descriptively, rates show slight increases but are not statistically significant*
Why this matters?
Chronic lower respiratory diseases—including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis—are among the leading causes of illness and death in the U.S. They are costly to individuals and communities and can severely limit quality of life.
Respiratory illnesses affect tens of millions of Americans and create significant challenges for daily living. Asthma, which impacts more than 22 million adults, causes recurring episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. COPD, the deadliest of these conditions, affects over 11 million people across the U.S. Both diseases restrict airflow and can become life-threatening without proper treatment.
Genetics, environmental conditions, and occupational exposures all play a role in developing respiratory disease. Age also plays a role. 11% of adults 65 and older have respiratory disease compared to 5% of 40–64-year-olds and <1% of adults younger than 40.
Triggers such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, allergens, mold, and certain chemicals can worsen symptoms or lead to flare-ups. Tobacco smoke is the primary risk factor for developing COPD.
*See Methods for details on low-income thresholds, methodology, and limitations
Weight
Regional obesity rates remain fairly steady, but poorer health outcomes remain associated with higher weight status among residents.
Obesity
2021
35%
2026
33%
About how much do you weigh without shoes?
How tall are you without shoes? (Used for BMI calculation)
Why this matters?
Overweight and obesity are major health concerns nationally, statewide, and regionally. These conditions contribute to illnesses such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (including endometrial, breast, and colon), sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and other chronic conditions. Beyond health impacts, obesity carries significant economic costs in productivity loss and absenteeism.
Having a healthy body weight supports good health at any age. Maintaining a healthy weight is achievable through increased physical activity and nutritious diets that limit calorie-dense, sugary, and high-fat foods. When communities provide equitable access to opportunities for active living and healthy eating, these choices become easier for all residents. Addressing obesity, a long-term epidemic, requires sustained coordinated community efforts.
Regional efforts to expand equitable access to physical activity and nutrition in schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods, may be paying off – with more residents saying they live close to paths, sidewalks, playgrounds, and parks, coupled with statistical improvements in physical activity rates – the trajectory is encouraging.
Descriptively, there are positive shifts from higher to lower weight categories in many of the counties and the region overall (35% obesity 2021, 33% obesity 2026). However, the changes are not statistically significant, meaning the changes in the data could have happened by chance. Time will tell if individual level and community level changes are driving a healthier weight status. Future weight data may also be impacted by the changing landscape and availability of weight loss medications, GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound.
*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.