AUSTIN, Texas – Chronic disease is a serious health risk in Travis County, accounting for more than half of all deaths. Austin Public Health has published its 2025 Chronic Disease Report to raise awareness and understanding of the impact of these diseases on our community. 

“Chronic diseases are preventable and affect millions across the country and many of our family members, friends and neighbors here in Austin,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “We also see that chronic diseases disproportionately affect some people more than others. It’s crucial that we recognize this threat and work towards fostering a healthier community.” 

The Chronic Disease Report collected data on deaths from 2021 to 2020. In that time, a total of 55,196 deaths were reported among Travis County residents. Seven of the nine leading causes of death (cancer, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic lower respiratory disease, diabetes and chronic liver disease) are chronic diseases. 

Data from the report shows that Travis County’s Black and Hispanic populations are disproportionately affected by most chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease and stroke. Chronic diseases are defined as conditions that last at least one year and require ongoing medical attention, limit activities of daily living, or both. 

“This report is an essential tool in our work to combat chronic disease,” said Austin Public Health Chief Epidemiologist Janet Pichette. “With this data, teams across our department are better equipped to reach those in need and reduce instances of chronic disease in our community.” 

While work remains to be done in this field, progress is being made. Healthy People, a national effort to establish goals to promote health and prevent disease, created a set of goals with Healthy People 2030 that included mortality rates of cancer, heart disease and stroke. Except for colorectal cancer mortality rates, Travis County has achieved the targets for the year 2030. 

You can read the report in its entirety here.