The life expectancy gap between urban and rural Texas residents is growing, according to a recent study conducted by the American Statesman.
There was virtually no gap between urban and rural Texas residents in the 1980s, but in the past 25 years, researchers have found longevity has increased in urban areas, with women gaining an average of 1.5 years and men gaining 4.4 years.
Researchers speculate many reasons for the growing gap. Population and business growth has slowed in Texas rural areas. An analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data finds the most uninsured residents live in rural areas.
Researchers speculate this may be due to smaller businesses in towns not providing health insurance coverage. These smaller incomes then force people to only visit the doctor in an emergency situation.
Currently average life expectancy age in Texas is 78.1 years. Hidalgo county resident’s life expectancy is roughly 80 years old.