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LIFE EXPECTANCY The ZIP code 75243 faces the lowest life expectancy of any ZIP code in Lake Highlands and Lakewood, based on factors such as access to a ordable housing and health resources.
INCOME IN NORTHEAST DALLAS An area’s median income, which is in uenced by the population’s education level, can a ect health outcomes. People with low incomes often spend a large percentage of their income on housing, leaving less disposable income to seek health care.
$104,583
75214
75243
$45,052
75231
75
77 Average life expectancy by zip code 75243 male: 75 female: 80
$68,361
75238
78 75231 78 75214
635
$43,673
75243
75231
male: 76 female: 80
75238
$0
$20K
$40K
$60K
$80K
$100K
$120K
Average income
80 75238
12
male: 77 female: 82
male: 76 female: 80
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU’S 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
professor at The University of Texas at Dallas, said low-income communities, such as the 75243 ZIP code, are often exposed to negative factors, such as high stress and violent crime, that can lead to poor long-term health. At the same time, they lack the resources to combat those factors on their own. “Education, income, employment, housing, health care: those ve things are really circular,” Kim said. “Good education leads to a good job; a good job leads to a good income; a good income leads to a good environment and also access to health care.” When looking at the cost of healthy food options compared to some junk foods, many are forced to buy the less nutritional option, Oaks said. Milk or juice may cost more than soda and not go as far, so those living in poverty are likely to choose it even when they know the milk or juice would be a bet- ter option, she said. “[Low-income] families still need to feed their kids,” Oaks said. “They buy what they can a ord that will feed the most with the money they have.” Housing a ects health In addition to less access to healthy food, medicine and housing, low-in- come families are often less likely to live in areas near spaces that would encourage physical activities. An area’s poverty rate and access to a ordable housing directly a ects its health outcomes, Oaks said. A person with a low income is more likely to have to spend a larger percent of their income on housing, which makes it harder to spend money on things to take care of themselves. “If a family is struggling to pay for their housing, they’re less likely to put e ort into medication or go to the doctor,” Oaks said. In Lake Highlands, there are
several low-income and mixed-in- come housing projects in front of Dallas City Council that could provide new a ordable housing options. Kathy Stewart, District 10 City Coun- cil member-elect, said she supports the county’s plan for an a ordable housing development at 8350 Forest Lane as well as the proposed support- ive housing project that would replace a hotel known for violent crime at 9019 Vantage Point Drive. However, she said she does not support the develop- ment of Cypress Creek at Forest Lane, a mixed-income housing project that would be located at 11520 N. Central Expressway. She cited concerns about crime and the lack of a nearby grocery store as reasons for her lack of support. Breaking the cycle Growing up in a low-income fam- ily or neighborhood a ects people’s ability to create change for them- selves, Oaks said. Children who grow up in high-income neighborhoods and pursue higher education their parents pay for will have an easier time saving money, buying a home and securing a high-paying job than those who grow up in a low-income neighborhood, Oaks said. In turn, those from high-income neighbor- hoods will be able to get quality health care that can lead to better long-term health and a longer life. “There’s this belief that people choose to be poor, choose to be sick, and that’s not ... true,” Oaks said. City leaders must think outside of the box and look for new opportuni- ties to invest in their communities while strengthening economic devel- opment, Oaks said. To her, those opportunities should be driven by the community itself. “I can’t go and tell a community, ‘This is what you need to do,’” Oaks
75214
SOURCE: PARKLAND HEALTH COMMUNITY IMPACT
WHITE ROCK LAKE
RACIAL DEMOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN Racial demographics vary widely in the Lake Highlands and Lakewood area, with the highest population of people of color living in the ZIP code 75243 as of 2021. Health experts say many communities of color su er poor health outcomes.
N
White*
Asian
Black or African American Two or more races
Some other race
Total population: 65,118
75243
Total population: 38,823
75231
Total population: 33,621
75214
Total population: 31,953
75238
*INCLUDES HISPANIC LATINO
EDUCATIONAL LEVELS
According to the 2021 U.S. Census Bureau data, the 75243 and 75231 ZIP codes have the lowest education levels in the Lake Highlands and Lakewood area.
Bachelor's degree or higher 68.1% 31.9%
Less than bachelor's degree
75243
75231
65.3% 34.7%
75214
28.8% 71.2%
75238
50.6% 49.4%
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU’S 2021 AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
that is telling you is that there have been some changes that require atten- tion,” Oaks said. The ZIP codes 75243 and 75231, which include the northern section of Lake Highlands, rank in the top 20 of Dallas County’s 84 ZIP codes with a high population of people who su er
from one or more chronic diseases. In low-income areas, such as those ZIP codes, people are less likely to be able to seek treatment for those diseases. In uencing health outcomes Dohyeong Kim, associate dean of graduate education and public policy
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