ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

SOCIOECONOMIC

DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH

Income Inequality

High-income inequality is evident in Pointe Coupee (7.9) and St. Helena (6.8), with ratios significantly exceeding the Louisiana state (5.7) and U.S. averages (4.9). Income inequality often correlates with limited access to healthcare, educational disparities, and poorer health outcomes.

    Child Poverty

    Child poverty rates are particularly high in St. Helena (45%) and Washington (30%), which not only exceed the state average (25%) but also nearly triple the national average (16%). High child poverty is linked to poorer physical and mental health, lower educational attainment, and a higher likelihood of experiencing food and housing insecurity.

      Teen Birth

      Parishes with high child poverty rates, like St. Helena (45%) and Washington (30%), also show higher teen birth rates (28 and 38 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19, respectively). The early onset of parenthood often disrupts education and limits economic opportunities, perpetuating the poverty cycle.