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The California Healthy Places Index
The California Healthy Places Index (HPI) is a tool developed by the Public Health Alliance of Southern California to assist in research exploring local factors that predict life expectancy and comparing community conditions across the state. The HPI provides overall scores and more detailed data on specific policy action areas that shape health, including housing, transportation, and education.
The City of Menifee has an HPI score of 43.4 percent meaning that this city has healthier community conditions than 43.4 percent of other California cities.
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Economic Conditions Thirty-seven percent of the population in Menifee lives below poverty. Every household should be able to afford the needs for a healthy life including medical care, healthy food, quality housing, education, and other basic needs. Research indicates that economic opportunity is one of the most powerful predictors of good health, and that impacts on health are especially pronounced for people in or near poverty. Transportation Two percent of workers in Menifee (16 years old and older) commute to work by transit, walking, or cycling. Every resident should have safe, accessible, and convenient transportation options to get to work and other key destinations. Active commuting by foot, bike, and transit creates opportunities for physical activity, provides transportation options for those without a car, encourages social cohesion, and reduces contributions to climate change and air pollution. Recommendations that support walking and biking include improving transit services, providing free or discounted transit passes, and offering equitable, low cost shared mobility services.
Social Conditions Sixty-nine percent of registered voters in Menifee voted in the 2012 general election. Every resident should be able to contribute their voice to the political process and participate in their communities. Voting is an indicator of social power and social cohesion, which have been linked to a wide variety of health outcomes at the individual and community levels.
The California Healthy Places Index (HPI) website
Neighborhood Conditions Two percent of land in Menifee has tree canopy (weighted by number of people per acre). Everyone should have trees and other plant life near their home. Trees are beneficial for mental and physical health in many ways. They can provide shade and cool surrounding areas, reduce stress, and promote health, wellness and physical activity. Trees are essential to mitigate the effects of climate change, especially extreme heat events. Fourteen percent of people in urban areas within Menifee reside less than a half-mile from a supermarket and large grocery store. Everyone should have equal access to healthy food options in their community. Having access to a nearby supermarket can encourage a better diet and eating behaviors, lower the costs of obtaining food, reduce chronic diseases, and lower the risk of food insecurity. It is critical for communities to plan for and incentivize access to healthy and affordable food choices in areas that have historically lacked access. Ten percent of people in Menifee live within walkable distance (half-mile) of a park or open space greater than 1 acre. Every resident should have access to high-quality parks and other open spaces in their neighborhoods, especially in underserved localities. Parks can encourage physical activity, reduce chronic diseases, improve mental health, foster community connections, and support community resilience to climate change and pollution. Healthcare Eighteen percent of people aged 18 to 64 years in Menifee are currently uninsured. Every resident should have access to quality medical care services including routine check-ups. Research indicates that health insurance dramatically improves health outcomes by allowing people to access necessary care.
Environmental Conditions Ten micrograms per cubic meter is the yearly average of fine particulate matter concentration (extremely fine particles from vehicle tailpipes, tires and brakes, powerplants, factories, burning wood, construction dust, and many other sources) in Menifee. Residents should be able to live in neighborhoods where it is safe to breathe. Since fine particulate matter is so small, it can reach deep into individual’s lungs, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and other unwanted outcomes.
