Research: Phoenix-Area Zip Codes Show Varying Average Life Expectancy

New research shows a few miles between Valley neighborhoods can be the difference of up to a decade, in terms of lifespan.
The maps show residents in the 85258 zip code in Scottsdale living an average of 85 years, while those in the 85004 zip code in South Phoenix living an average of 71 years. Jon Ford is with St. Luke’s Health Initiatives, which worked on the maps. He said the results aren’t terribly surprising and come from issues like access to healthy food, good housing and exercise.
"I think it’s fair to say that in some parts of our city, there’s been less investment than others. In some parts of our city, we’ve had situations where businesses are not as attracted and sort of the economic invisible hand is working against the people who live there," he said.
Ford said this is, in some ways, a matter of equity, and there’s work to be done to change the imbalance that exists.