The Texas border region, when juxtaposed with the non-border areas of the state, presents a mixed bag of health outcomes. Surprisingly, infant mortality rates, deaths from heart disease, and stroke incidents are lower in the border region of Texas.
However, this positive outlook is shadowed by higher prevalence rates of obesity, diabetes, cervical cancer, and cesarean births within the same border area. The risk of communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis and Zika, is also elevated in this region.
A significant challenge faced by the communities along the Texas border is limited access to essential healthcare services, encompassing primary, preventative, and specialized medical attention.
To understand these disparities better, the following table provides a comparative overview of key demographic and health-related aspects between the border and non-border regions of Texas.
| Aspect | Texas Border Region | Non-Border Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Population Size | 2.8 million | 27.7 million |
| Population Under 18 Years Old | 29% | 25% |
| Hispanic Ethnicity | 88% | 35% |
| Below Poverty Level | 24% | 16% |
| Uninsured Individuals | 27% | 17% |
| Limited English Proficiency | 30% | 12% |
| Bachelor’s Degree or Higher | 73% | 86% |
| Foreign-Born Population | 24% | 16% |
Sources: Population Size, Texas Demographic Center Population Estimates Program January 1, 2024. Most recent estimates available as of January 8, 2025.
For all other information, United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2018-2022. Percentages computed from the S1701 Poverty Status in the Past 12 Months, S2701 Selected Characteristics of Health Insurance Coverage in the United States, S1501 Educational Attainment, B05012 Selected Characteristics of Native and Foreign-Born Populations files. Most recent 5-year estimates available as of April 3, 2024. https://data.census.gov/cedsci/
*Health insurance coverage status calculated for the civilian noninstitutionalized population.
For more detailed health data pertaining to the border region, please visit the Border Health Data webpage.
