Here at Tulane we believe that it is our duty to care for patients equally regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, social status, or sexual orientation.
The majority of the New Orleans population faces significant hurdles when it comes to healthcare access. There is a 25.5-year difference in life expectancy between different zip codes in the city. The life expectancy in our hospitals’ zip code is 54.5 years. Our patients face significant roadblocks to care, and we make it our mission to address these barriers and their impact on our patients’ lives and health. By the numbers:
Population & Income
- 1,271,845 people live in the New Orleans–Metairie Metropolitan Area.
- The average household income is $54,388 annually.
Poverty & Inequality
- 16.9% of residents live in poverty.
- 24.6% of New Orleans residents live below the poverty line, compared to the national average of 11.8%.
- Poverty rates by race/ethnicity (2018):
- Black: 32.0%
- White: 10.3%
- Asian: 18.9%
- Hispanic: 16.8%
Healthcare Access
- 9.2% of Louisiana residents are uninsured, even after Medicaid expansion in 2016.
- The city faces major healthcare inequities—there is a 25.5-year life expectancy gap between different New Orleans zip codes.
- Average life expectancy in the zip code nearest downtown hospitals is 54.5 years.
Education
- 20% of Louisiana residents are illiterate (2018 data).
Ethnicity (New Orleans area)
- 58.6% Black
- 30.7% White
- 5.1% Hispanic
- 2.9% Asian
- 1.75% Multiracial
- 0.5% Other
- 0.13% American Indian & Alaskan Native
