Does Inequality in Income Negatively Affect Public Health? A Multilevel Analysis of Evidence from US States and Global Contexts

Income inequality is increasingly regarded as one of the principal causes of public health inequities between and within nations. This paper discusses the relationship between income inequality and health measures by conducting a multilevel analysis with U.S. state-level data, intra-county comparisons from New York, and cross-national data. The evidence shows an overall pattern: locations with larger income inequality have poorer health measures, such as larger prevalence rates of self-reported poor health. Case studies and data visualizations expose how income-related structural obstacles affect access to health care, living conditions, and psychosocial pressures, leading to health inequities. The report highlights the necessity of addressing social determinants of health, such as schooling, housing, and employment, as part of the broader public health agenda. Suggested policy changes are equity audits, Medicaid expansion, and investment in community-based, inclusive programs. In short, income inequality reduction is, we believe, an essential question of economic equity. Still, it is critical for public health if we are going to have healthier and more equitable societies.