Race and income disparities in medical debt lawsuits across Mecklenburg county

For more than a decade, Atrium Health sued thousands of people for unpaid medical bills. The majority of lawsuits were in communities of color and middle class neighborhoods.

The Guardian mapped more than

1,500 lawsuits

78% are in

majority POC

census tracts

77% are in tracts

with a median

income between

$40-$100k

The Guardian mapped more than

1,500 lawsuits

78% are in

majority POC

census tracts

77% are in tracts with

a median income

between $40-$100k

The Guardian mapped more than

1,500 lawsuits

78% are in

majority POC

census tracts

77% are in tracts with

a median income

between $40-$100k

The Guardian mapped more than

1,500 lawsuits

78% are in

majority POC

census tracts

77% are in tracts with

a median income

between $40-$100k

The Guardian mapped more than

1,500 lawsuits

78% are in

majority POC

census tracts

77% are in tracts with

a median income

between $40-$100k

Guardian graphic. Source: Public records request. Each dot is a geolocated debt judgment. The Guardian was able to verify the addresses of 79% of known cases.