Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Wealth and Health: Evidence from a Multiethnic Survey in NYC

Abstract Objective To examine racial and ethnic inequities in wealth and health among New York City adults. Methods We conducted the 2024 NYC Racial Wealth and Health Gap Survey using a stratified quota sample of 2,866 adults across 11 racial and ethnic groups. Wealth was measured through self-reported assets and debts, and health through self-reported status and psychological distress. We calculated descriptive statistics across groups and used quantile regression to test for significant differences in assets and debts compared with White respondents. Results White and Chinese respondents reported the highest median net worth ($142,000 and $320,000), while Other Black and Puerto Rican respondents reported the lowest ($25 and $160). Lower wealth was associated with poorer health and higher psychological distress. Prevalence of excellent or very good health increased from 36% in the lowest wealth quartile to 59% in the highest, with the steepest wealth–health gradients among Chinese and Multiracial respondents. Conclusion Wealth inequities are linked to health disparities across racial and ethnic groups in New York City. Surveillance of local wealth data can guide equity-focused policies addressing economic and racial drivers of health disparities.