Community Snapshot

Dotted primarily across the west, these 45 counties are marked by large Native American populations – more than half the people who live in these counties overall are indigenous Americans.

The Native American Lands are one of the smallest community types, home to about 914,000 people. These are not wealthy places, with a median household income of about $47,300. Health behaviors fare worse here than across the other types. About 28% of adults in the Native American Lands are current smokers, 12% more than the national average. Obesity is also a problem in these communities, with cases of adult obesity rising 7 points above the 32% national average. The people in these areas have limited access to exercise opportunities, with only 42% of the population receiving adequate access to facilities for physical activity. Likely due to the poor health behaviors, more than 20% the population reports fair or poor health, above the national average of 12%. Broadband access sits at 70%, which is the lowest rate among community types and 17 points below the national average. The voter turnout rate is 54%, sitting 14 points below the national average.

Voting Engagement

54% Voter Turnout

Percentage of citizen population aged 18 or older who voted in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election

Vol. 3 2020-2021

Deaths of Despair Across America

The American Communities Project is undertaking a 30-month study of Deaths of Despair in its 15 community types.

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