Cascade, SW Atlanta Zip Codes Have Lower Life Expectancies

(Image: University of Virginia)

A new study from the University of Virginia shows zip codes throughout Cascade and southeast and southwest Atlanta have the lowest life expectancies of any metro zip code.

Of the Atlanta zip codes studied, 30310 (Cascade and southwest Atlanta), 30314 (Bankhead and Atlanta University Center), and 30354 (Hapeville and College Park), all have life expectancies of 71 years.

The Buckhead zip code of 30305 came in at No. 1 in terms of life expectancy, with age 84.

The university’s Center on Society and Health created a series of maps that prominently display life expectancy values alongside common geographic landmarks such as subway stops and highway exits. The maps illustrate the vastly different health outcomes experienced by Americans living just a few miles apart and serve as a conversation starter about the social determinants of health.

Population data were calculated using a weighted average of 2000 and 2010 data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. Death count data were obtained from the Public Health Information Portal at the Georgia Department of Public Health. The most recently available years of death data (2003 to 2012) were aggregated into age groups.

The death and population counts for age groups with zero deaths were replaced with the corresponding county death and population counts.

Some zip codes that were studied had insufficient data to report.

Here’s metro Atlanta’s breakdown:

• 30305 -- 84
• 30306 -- 83
• 30307 -- 79
• 30308 -- 78
• 30309 -- 82
• 30310 -- 71
• 30311 -- 72
• 30312 -- 74
• 30314 -- 71
• 30315 -- 72
• 30316 -- 73
• 30317 -- 73
• 30318 -- 72
• 30319 -- 82
• 30324 -- 81
• 30327 -- 83
• 30331 -- 75
• 30342 -- 81
• 30354 -- 71