Research suggests that higher education levels are linked to lower mortality rates. Education may enhance health literacy, increase income, and provide better access to health benefits. But does living in communities with educated individuals affect mortality independent of personal education levels?
A study by Bor et al. (2024) indicates that it does. Using data from the National Center for Health Statistics and educational attainment data by county, the authors found that the correlation between education and health outcomes is not solely due to healthier individuals relocating to educated areas. Factors such as smoking rates, obesity levels, and local amenities play a significant role in this relationship.
This highlights the complex interplay between education, behavior, and environmental factors in determining health outcomes. The full paper and a summary can be accessed through the NBER website.
