The Mortality Rate in Northeast Texas

TYLER — A new report from The University of Texas System and UT Health Northeast shows, if Northeast Texas were a state, it would rank among the worst in terms of mortality for three of the top four leading causes of death in the U.S. The report used detailed mortality data from the National Center for Health Statistics. The report looks at a 35-county area, covering over 25,000 square miles. This is similar in size to West Virginia. The region is home to just over 1.5 million people, over half of whom live in a rural area.

For most of the leading causes of death that affect Northeast Texas, the single largest determinant is tobacco smoking. In 2014, 23% of adults in Northeast Texas were current smokers, compared to 15% statewide. In 2013, nearly 14% of live births in Northeast Texas were to women who smoked during pregnancy, compared to 4% statewide.

The report found that if Northeast Texas were a state, it would rank 45th in the nation in overall mortality, after Arkansas and before Louisiana. Texas ranks 31st. As a state, Northeast Texas would rank 49th in heart disease mortality, 47th in chronic lower respiratory disease mortality, and 51st in stroke mortality.

According to the report, disparities in income and education experienced by Northeast Texas likely contribute to the higher disease burden in this region. Every one of the 35 counties has a median household income lower than the Texas average, and college graduates make up 17% of the population, compared to 27% in Texas overall.