Name
Western Governors University
E224 Global and Population Health
Prof. Name
Date
Petersburg, Virginia, is a small independent city with an estimated population of approximately 33,394 residents. Located south of Richmond, Petersburg is characterized by a historically rich background alongside persistent socio-economic challenges that significantly shape population health outcomes. The city’s demographic composition, income distribution, education levels, and employment patterns collectively influence health behaviors, access to care, and disease burden. A comprehensive understanding of these characteristics is essential for designing effective public health interventions and allocating resources equitably.
The population of Petersburg reflects substantial racial diversity, income inequality, and varying levels of educational attainment, all of which intersect with health status. Key demographic and socioeconomic indicators are summarized below.
| Aspect | Description / Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population Size | Approximately 33,394 residents | City-Data, 2024; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 |
| Gender Distribution | Males: 45.6% (15,228); Females: 54.4% (18,166) | City-Data, 2024 |
| Median Age | 36.9 years | City-Data, 2024 |
| Race/Ethnicity | Black/non-Hispanic: 77%; White/non-Hispanic: 15.9%; Hispanic/Latino: 6.0%; Two or more races: 5.0%; Asian: 1.2%; Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.1%; American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.1% | City-Data, 2024; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 |
| Median Household Income | $50,741 | City-Data, 2024 |
| Educational Attainment | High school diploma or higher: 87.1%; Bachelor’s degree or higher: 25%; Graduate or professional degree: 8.3% | City-Data, 2024 |
| Poverty Rate | Overall: 22.2%; White non-Hispanic: 19.2%; Black: 22.7%; Hispanic/Latino: 21.2%; Two or more races: 33.8% | U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 |
| Crime Indicators (2022) | Violent crime rate: 526.1; Property crime rate: 193 per 100,000 residents | City-Data, 2024 |
| Employment Sectors | Healthcare: 13.4%; Education: 9.2%; Public administration: 8.6%; Accommodation and food services: 7.4%; Unemployment rate: 8.9% | City-Data, 2024 |
| Health Insurance Coverage | Uninsured population: 9.7% | City-Data, 2024 |
| Transportation Access | Car: 84.2%; Carpool: 9.8%; Bus: 2.4%; Walking: 1.2% | City-Data, 2024 |
| Food Access | Grocery stores: 13; Restaurants: 24; Convenience stores: 3.04; Residents without nearby large grocery stores: 3.95% | City-Data, 2024 |
| Health Indicators | Hypertension: 45.3%; Obesity: 34.4%; Diabetes: 14.9%; Preventable Medicare hospital admissions: 60%; Leading cause of death: heart disease and stroke (22%) | City-Data, 2024 |
Note. All values represent city-wide estimates and may vary slightly by reporting source.
The subpopulation of greatest concern in Petersburg includes racial and ethnic minorities—particularly Black residents and individuals identifying as two or more races—as well as children and adolescents. Poverty disproportionately affects these groups, with individuals of mixed racial backgrounds experiencing the highest poverty rate at 33.8%. Additionally, approximately 24.7% of the city’s population is under the age of 18, and many of these children live in economically disadvantaged households. Early exposure to poverty increases the likelihood of adverse health outcomes across the lifespan, making this group especially vulnerable to long-term disparities (City-Data, 2024; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).
Petersburg faces significant environmental health challenges that directly influence respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes among residents. One major concern is poor air quality, driven in part by emissions from the Petersburg compressor station and nearby industrial facilities. These sources release pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which contribute to atmospheric degradation and environmental damage within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Low-income communities are disproportionately exposed to these environmental hazards, often lacking the financial means to reduce exposure through protective measures such as air filtration systems or relocation. The Virginia Department of Health reports that Petersburg has the highest asthma-related hospitalization rate in the state, as well as the lowest overall life expectancy, trends closely linked to prolonged exposure to poor air quality.
Water quality also poses a concern, particularly regarding Lake Chesdin, which is part of the Appomattox River system. Potential contamination of this water source threatens the safety of the city’s drinking water supply, placing residents at additional risk for waterborne illnesses and chronic health conditions (Virginia Department of Health, 2023).
Economic hardship in Petersburg is unevenly distributed, with clear disparities observed across racial and age groups. Minority populations and younger residents experience higher poverty rates compared to White residents and older adults.
| Population Group | Poverty Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| White non-Hispanic | 19.2 |
| Black | 22.7 |
| Hispanic/Latino | 21.2 |
| Two or more races | 33.8 |
| Under 18 years | 24.7 |
| Ages 18–64 | 20.9 |
| Ages 65 and older | 10.0 |
These disparities are compounded by limited access to healthcare, as nearly one in ten residents lacks health insurance. Financial constraints, limited transportation options, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure further restrict access to preventive and primary care services. As a result, preventable conditions often go untreated, reinforcing cycles of poor health outcomes among already disadvantaged groups (City-Data, 2024; U.S. Census Bureau, 2023).
Poverty, closely linked with unemployment, represents a central social determinant of health in Petersburg. Economic instability affects nearly every aspect of daily life, including access to healthcare, quality education, safe housing, nutritious food, and reliable transportation. High poverty rates are also associated with increased crime, chronic stress, and reduced opportunities for social mobility, all of which negatively influence physical and mental health outcomes.
Petersburg consistently ranks below state and national averages on multiple health indicators due to entrenched systemic challenges. These include chronic poverty, homelessness, mental health disorders, limited financial literacy, structural racism, public safety concerns, and underperforming educational systems (Virginia Department of Health, 2023).
Approximately 9.7% of residents remain uninsured, often due to complicated enrollment processes and insufficient outreach. Cancer is the leading cause of premature death among residents under the age of 75, accounting for 37% of deaths in this age group, followed by heart disease (CDC, 2023). Chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are particularly prevalent in low-income neighborhoods, where access to affordable, healthy foods is limited. These areas are frequently saturated with fast food outlets and liquor stores, further increasing health risks (CDC, 2023).
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance | Community-based partnerships provide support to help residents navigate insurance enrollment processes and reduce the uninsured rate. |
| Rebuilding Together Petersburg | Offers free home repairs and safety modifications for elderly individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income families to improve housing stability and safety. |
Petersburg requires expanded access to affordable health insurance programs tailored to low-income populations. Despite ongoing outreach efforts, coverage gaps remain significant. Additionally, the city lacks permanent homeless shelter facilities, even as homelessness continues to rise. Although local coalitions have assisted approximately 361 individuals, the absence of long-term shelter infrastructure represents a critical unmet need in addressing housing insecurity and related health risks.
Health insurance coverage is fundamental to improving population health, as it enables access to routine medical care, preventive services, and early disease detection. Consistent care reduces long-term healthcare costs and improves quality of life. Similarly, the development of permanent homeless shelters can significantly reduce the physical and mental health risks associated with housing instability by providing safe environments and connections to supportive services.
An evidence-based intervention that could effectively address existing gaps is the expansion of community-based outreach and education related to health insurance programs. Hosting regular enrollment events, staffed by trained professionals and community health workers, can increase awareness, simplify the enrollment process, and build trust among underserved populations.
Targeted education combined with personalized assistance can significantly increase health insurance enrollment rates. Community health workers can guide residents through complex systems, reduce confusion, and address stigma associated with seeking help. Improved insurance coverage promotes earlier use of healthcare services, reduces preventable hospitalizations, and lowers premature mortality rates. Expanding homeless shelter capacity would further reduce disparities by addressing one of the most critical social determinants of health—stable housing—thereby improving access to healthcare and social support services (Central Virginia Legal Aid).
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Leading causes of death and chronic diseases. https://www.cdc.gov
City-Data. (2024). Petersburg, Virginia (VA). https://www.city-data.com/county/Petersburg_city-VA.html
Central Virginia Legal Aid. (n.d.). Health insurance enrollment assistance. https://www.cvlegalaid.org/
U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). QuickFacts: Petersburg City, Virginia. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/petersburgcityvirginia
Virginia Department of Health. (2023). Petersburg health statistics and environmental concerns. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/
WTVR. (2024). Community groups work to address health insurance gaps in Petersburg. https://wtvr.com/news/local
