Health Data
Explore public health data, reports, and dashboards. This information is analyzed by Boston Public Health Commission's Center for Public Health Science and Innovation.
Data is critical to understanding the health of Boston’s residents, communities, and environment. It can tell us who is impacted by diseases and environmental factors, who is accessing programs and services, and where disparities exist within our neighborhoods.
Our data work is rooted in partnerships, equity, and transparency. We work with community groups and organizations to understand their needs and inform how we prioritize, collect, and share data. We center equity throughout by disaggregating data where possible to better understand racial, ethnic, and gender health disparities that exist within our city. We then share this information publicly so that, along with partners in Boston and beyond, we can use our data to take action to build a healthier, more equitable Boston for all.
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Questions? Contact us:
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1010 Massachusetts Ave.
2nd Floor
BOSTON, MA 02118
Data by Topic
Data by TopicBoston Public Health Commission's Annual Report is a reflection of our collective efforts to promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. As we reflect on the year’s challenges and triumphs, we are grateful for the support of our residents, community partners and stakeholders, and the hard work and dedication of our team.
Chronic diseases are diseases that last a long time and require ongoing medical attention. These diseases can often be prevented and managed by lifestyle choices such as healthy eating, physical activity, quitting smoking, and early detection screening. The social determinants of health can also impact whether someone develops a chronic disease. Check out our chronic disease reports below and learn more about our work in this area here.
We work with residents to identify and improve health needs across our communities. Boston Public Health Commission is a key member of the Boston Community Health Collaborative. This group aims to understand community health needs, strengths, and priorities. This work comes together in two ways. First, the group works on a citywide health needs assessment. Then, the group develops and carries out a health improvement plan. Together, this group contributes to the health and well-being of Boston residents.
Health equity and racial justice are the cornerstone of our public health work in Boston. Boston is a city rich in health resources. However, not all resources are easily accessible or distributed fairly across all population groups and neighborhoods. This unequal distribution of resources is primarily due to systemic racism, which causes health inequities. Through our collaborative partnerships, we have made progress towards advancing health equity in our city. However, we know that there is still more work to be done. Check out our health equity reports and learn more about our work in this field here.
About the Report
PREVIOUS REPORTS
2010 - 2017
2001 - 2009
- Health of Boston 2009
- Health of Boston 2008
- Health of Boston 2007
- Health of Boston 2006
- Health of Boston 2005
- Health of Boston 2004 Chartbook
- Health of Boston 2004 Data Tables
- Health of Boston 2002
- Health of Boston 2001
- 1999-2013 Health of Boston Special Report: Cancer Among City of Boston Residents
Through low-barrier shelters, we use evidence-based, trauma-informed care, and restorative justice to help individuals quickly end their homelessness and stay stably housed. We provide hands-on job training, housing assistance, and behavioral health services for clients in our shelters. Explore our data about people experiencing homelessness and learn more about our work here.
Data show that life expectancy varies sharply across communities and neighborhoods in Boston. These disparities are primarily due to social, economic, environmental, and structural factors. Racism and other systems of oppression directly impact health outcomes and influence all social drivers of health. From addressing the social drivers of health to ensuring access to health care and social services resources, we're working with partners across Boston to improve life expectancy and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in our city. Boston's Live Long and Well population health equity agenda is about our commitment to accomplishing this work.
Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. Mental health shapes how we think, feel, and act. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions at every stage of life. Mental health care should meet people where they are. This includes community-based supports to clinical services. At Boston Public Health Commission, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all Boston residents. In 2022, we launched the Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness to expand access to care, reduce stigma, and promote wellness across communities.
Dashboards
Reports
Data by Population
Data by PopulationDashboards
Boston Child Health Study
The Boston Child Health Study is a two-part study designed to assess the health of Boston’s children. The study provides a comprehensive look at children’s health including their health behaviors, healthcare use, living environment, and quality of life.
The study invites Boston parents and caregivers of children ages 0-17 years. Families are selected at random, and participation is voluntary and anonymous.
What to know if you get a letter or a call:
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Your voice matters! This is a legitimate survey being conducted by the Boston Public Health Commission that will help improve children’s health.
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Mailings will show the Boston Public Health Commission and the City of Boston logos, and a letter from Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu.
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Participation is voluntary and anonymous. You will never be asked for your name, social security number, or credit card.
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A survey company has been engaged to conduct this study for the Boston Public Health Commission.
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Your participation ensures that your voice and your community are heard.
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Your individual survey responses will never be shared.
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Survey results will be used to bring new programs and services to Boston neighborhoods and to better support families.
Reports from the 2012 Boston Child Health Study:
Health of Boston Adult Evaluations
Every other year since 1999, Boston Public Health Commission conducts phone and online interviews to evaluate the health of Boston’s residents ages 18+. This survey is called the Boston Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The survey asks a random sample of Boston residents to participate. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.
The survey asks residents about a range of health topics like chronic disease, access to care, and behaviors the impact health. The survey also asks about other factors that impact health like income, housing, education, and racism.
WHAT TO KNOW IF YOU GET A CALL OR MAILING
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Selected residents will either receive a phone call from “BOS Health Dept.” or a mailing with a code to take the online survey.
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The survey takes between 20 – 30 minutes.
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You can respond to the survey in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, or Traditional Chinese.
You will not be asked about your:
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Street address
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Name
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Social Security Number (SSN)
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Driver's license, state ID, or passport number
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Bank account, credit card number, or routing information
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Account passwords or security pins
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Employer information
Why did they ask me to speak with a different adult in my home when I answered the phone and was willing to do the survey?
- The survey selects phone numbers and mailing addresses at random. It also selects an adult from that household at random. This is so the sample is the best representation of all Boston residents.
How is this anonymous if you have my phone number or address?
- Collected survey data are handled by a survey research company that has measures for securing data. It is never our goal to identify an individual. Data are analyzed at the group level to determine the needs and health status of Boston residents.
What is the collected information used for?
- Collected survey data are used in several ways. The data help to monitor the health of Boston residents over time and provide health status reporting for the annual Health of Boston report and Community Health Needs Assessment. Data are also used to show health needs when requesting grant funding for new programs.
What is the origin of this survey?
- The Boston Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is based on the Center for Disease Control’s BRFSS project. That project is conducted annually in every state in the U.S. Over 400,000 adults participate in the BRFSS annually, making it the world’s largest health survey.
The Center for Public Health Science and Innovation
The Center for Public Health Science and Innovation (PHSI) serves as Boston Public Health Commission's innovation hub for epidemiology, surveillance, research, evaluation, and data science. The Center transforms data into actionable public health insights that inform policy, programs, emergency response, and strategic decision making across the Commission while providing community partners with timely, evidence-based information. Grounded in an anti-racist, health equity framework, PHSI identifies emerging health issues, measures disparities, evaluates interventions, and helps ensure that resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact.
Established in June 2022 in response to the increased need for research, surveillance, and advanced data analytics highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, PHSI brings together analytic expertise from across Boston Public Health Commission to strengthen the City's public health data infrastructure and advance evidence-based action. Through innovative analytic methods and partnerships across healthcare, academia, government, and community organizations, the Center now conducts surveillance, population health surveys, program evaluations, and applied research; develops reports, dashboards, and decision-support tools including the Health of Boston Reports; and translates complex data into clear, timely insights that improve public health practice, inform policy, and advance health equity for all Boston residents.
Who's Involved:
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Questions? Contact us:
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1010 Massachusetts Ave.
2nd Floor
BOSTON, MA 02118
