What are the five high risk customer groups?

September 26, 2025 •

6 min read

According to the CDC, older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing severe illness from various conditions. Understanding what are the five high risk customer groups is crucial for public health, healthcare policy, and targeted medical care.

Quick Summary

Five significant high-risk groups include the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems, low-income and homeless populations, and specific racial and ethnic minority communities facing health disparities. These groups are disproportionately affected by health challenges, limited access to care, and higher rates of morbidity and mortality.

Key Points

Age is a significant risk factor: Both the very young and the very old are particularly vulnerable due to underdeveloped or weakened immune systems and higher rates of complex health issues.
Chronic illness increases vulnerability: Individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, and those who are immunocompromised, are at higher risk for severe illness and complications.
Socioeconomic status impacts health: Low-income and homeless populations face barriers to accessing care, unstable living conditions, and higher rates of co-occurring health issues.
Systemic inequalities create health disparities: Racial and ethnic minorities often experience greater health risks due to historical injustices, discrimination, and disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards.
Geography affects access to care: Residents of underserved rural communities face health challenges due to geographic isolation, limited healthcare resources, and workforce shortages.
Comprehensive strategies are needed: Effective solutions require targeted outreach, culturally competent care, and addressing social determinants of health to achieve health equity.

Identifying High-Risk Groups in Healthcare

In the context of health, the term “high-risk customer groups” refers to vulnerable populations that face elevated risks for poor health outcomes. These disparities are often driven by a complex interplay of biological factors, socioeconomic conditions, environmental influences, and healthcare system issues. By focusing on these specific populations, healthcare professionals and public health initiatives can develop targeted strategies to improve health equity and reduce preventable morbidity and mortality. While many groups can be considered at-risk depending on the specific health concern, five distinct groups consistently emerge in public health discourse.

The Very Young and the Very Old

Age is one of the most significant determinants of health vulnerability. The two ends of the age spectrum are particularly susceptible to health challenges for different reasons.

Infants and young children

Infants and young children have developing immune systems that are not yet robust enough to fight off infections as effectively as adults. They are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses and other communicable diseases. Their smaller body size and faster metabolic rate mean they absorb harmful substances more quickly, making them more vulnerable to toxic exposures. Furthermore, they are dependent on caregivers for protection, and factors like neglect or poor nutrition can compound their health risks.

Older adults

As people age, their immune systems weaken, and they often develop chronic health conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe illness. Older adults are more likely to have complex medical needs and are at higher risk for complications from infections, injuries, and chronic diseases. Geographic isolation and limited mobility can also create significant barriers to accessing timely medical care.

Individuals with Chronic Illnesses or Immunocompromised States

This group includes a vast and diverse population, but all share a common thread: an underlying health condition that makes them more susceptible to poor health outcomes.

Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and chronic respiratory diseases place a significant burden on the healthcare system and individuals. People with these conditions are more likely to experience severe illness from infections and often require more intensive, long-term care.
Immunocompromised States: This category includes individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or autoimmune diseases, as well as those undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy or organ transplantation. Their bodies are less equipped to fight off pathogens, making them highly susceptible to infections.

Low-Income and Homeless Individuals

Socioeconomic status is a powerful driver of health outcomes. People with low income or who are experiencing homelessness face a multitude of barriers that increase their health risks.

Lack of Access: Many low-income individuals are uninsured or underinsured, making it difficult to afford medical services, prescription medications, and preventive care.
Unstable Living Conditions: Homeless individuals lack stable housing and a safe environment, which can expose them to harsh weather conditions, poor sanitation, and violence.
Co-occurring Conditions: This group often experiences co-occurring chronic medical conditions, mental health issues, and substance use disorders, which complicate their care and recovery.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Health disparities based on race and ethnicity are well-documented and stem from a history of social and economic inequities. These disparities can significantly increase a group's health risk.

Systemic Factors: Racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to face discrimination in healthcare settings, which can lead to delayed or inadequate care. They may also reside in disadvantaged neighborhoods with limited access to healthy food, safe housing, and quality healthcare infrastructure.
Higher Rates of Disease: Many minority communities experience higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, which can be exacerbated by systemic inequalities.
Intersectionality: The intersection of race, income, and geography can create layered vulnerabilities, further increasing health risks.

Residents of Underserved Rural Areas

Geography plays a critical role in determining health outcomes, with rural communities often facing unique challenges.

Geographic Isolation: Rural residents often live far from hospitals and specialty medical centers, leading to delays in receiving necessary care. Travel can be particularly difficult for those with chronic illnesses or mobility issues.
Healthcare Workforce Shortages: Rural areas frequently experience shortages of healthcare professionals, from primary care physicians to specialists. This limits access to care and places a strain on existing providers.
Socioeconomic Factors: Rural populations tend to have lower socioeconomic status and fewer job opportunities, which can impact their overall health.

A Comparative Look at Risk Factors


High-Risk Group	Key Risk Factors	Primary Vulnerability	Interventions	Environmental Impact	Behavioral Impact
Young & Elderly	Developing or declining immune systems, chronic illness, dependency on caregivers, cognitive decline	Biological/Age-related	Specialized pediatric/geriatric care, caregiver support, age-appropriate health education	Can be worsened by environmental hazards, extreme weather	Lower mobility, communication challenges in the young
Chronically Ill	Weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to infection, complex medical needs	Medical	Integrated care management, proactive follow-up, disease-specific support groups	Can be negatively impacted by climate-related issues, air quality	Missed appointments, difficulty managing complex medication regimens
Low-Income/Homeless	Lack of insurance, food insecurity, unstable housing, exposure to poor sanitation	Socioeconomic	Outreach programs, community clinics, addressing social determinants of health	Exposure to environmental pollutants, urban heat islands	Limited access to preventative care, higher rates of substance abuse
Racial/Ethnic Minorities	Systemic racism, discrimination in healthcare, limited access to resources, cultural barriers	Social/Systemic	Culturally competent care, community health initiatives, policy changes	Disproportionate exposure to environmental injustices	Varying health literacy levels, mistrust of healthcare system
Underserved Rural	Geographic isolation, healthcare workforce shortages, limited economic opportunities	Geographic/Structural	Telehealth services, mobile clinics, healthcare workforce recruitment incentives	Slower emergency response, higher risk from agricultural hazards	Delayed care-seeking behavior due to access issues

Comprehensive Approaches to Improve Health Equity

Addressing the needs of these high-risk populations requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy that goes beyond simply providing medical care. Focusing on the social determinants of health—the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age—is essential for creating lasting change. Collaborative partnerships between healthcare systems, public health bodies, and community organizations can be highly effective in addressing patients' social risk factors.

Targeted Outreach and Engagement

Mobile Health Clinics: Bringing medical services directly to underserved communities can overcome transportation barriers and geographic isolation.
Community Health Workers: Utilizing community health workers who share a cultural or linguistic background with the population can build trust and improve engagement.
Proactive Scheduling: For high-risk individuals, proactive scheduling of follow-up appointments and check-ins can significantly improve continuity of care and reduce missed appointments.

Systemic Improvements

Enhanced Data Collection: Improving data collection to better track health outcomes and risk factors among vulnerable populations is crucial for identifying and addressing specific disparities.
Culturally Competent Training: Healthcare providers should receive training to recognize and address biases, promoting culturally sensitive and respectful care.
Health Equity Initiatives: Healthcare systems should make a formal commitment to health equity, with accountability for results.

Empowering Patients

Health Literacy Programs: Educating patients on managing their chronic conditions and navigating the healthcare system can empower them to take control of their health.
Patient Navigation Services: Providing navigation services can help individuals overcome complex logistical and administrative barriers to care.

Conclusion

Understanding what are the five high risk customer groups is a fundamental step toward achieving health equity. The elderly, young children, those with chronic illnesses, low-income/homeless individuals, and racial/ethnic minorities each face distinct and overlapping challenges that increase their vulnerability. Effectively addressing their needs requires moving beyond a reactive, disease-focused approach to a proactive, person-centered model that addresses the root causes of health disparities. By implementing targeted, culturally competent, and collaborative strategies, healthcare systems and public health organizations can make significant progress in improving outcomes for these populations and creating a more equitable society. For more information on health equity initiatives, see resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnant women are a high-risk group because of changes to their immune system and hormone levels during pregnancy. These changes make them more susceptible to certain infections and complications, which can affect both the mother and the developing baby.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, 'high-risk' often refers to a group's increased likelihood of experiencing a specific adverse health outcome (e.g., severe illness from a virus). 'Vulnerable' is a broader term encompassing social, economic, and systemic factors that predispose a group to poorer health outcomes and disparities.

Socioeconomic factors, such as income, education, and access to resources, significantly influence health outcomes. Low-income individuals may lack health insurance, access to nutritious food, and safe housing, all of which increase health risks.

Yes, some data suggests that high-risk patients are more likely to take advantage of technology, such as patient portals and text alerts, to stay connected with their healthcare providers, potentially because of their complex needs. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rural communities face unique risks due to geographic isolation, which can lead to limited access to medical facilities and longer response times for emergencies. Additionally, these areas often have fewer healthcare professionals and resources, exacerbating health disparities.

Health equity is central to addressing high-risk groups. It means ensuring that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health. This involves addressing systemic issues, like discrimination and resource distribution, that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Discrimination can negatively impact a group's health in several ways, including fostering mistrust of the healthcare system and resulting in biased or inadequate care. These experiences can cause stress and lead to poorer health outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities.