DeKalb County Health Data

DeKalb County, Alabama

Health Score

14/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.4 yr

Uninsured Rate

15.2%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.4 yr

State avg 72.1 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

15.2%

State avg 11.1%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

40

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

55

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in DeKalb County, Alabama

DeKalb's life expectancy slightly above national trouble

At 72.4 years, DeKalb residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 71.5 years—a modest advantage. Yet nearly three in ten residents (28.1%) report poor or fair health, suggesting that extra years don't guarantee wellness.

Outperforming Alabama average on longevity

DeKalb's 72.4-year life expectancy exceeds Alabama's 72.1-year state average by 0.3 years. The county ranks solidly in the middle of Alabama's health outcomes, neither among the state's healthiest nor most challenged.

Healthier than some nearby counties

DeKalb residents live 2.2 years longer than those in Escambia County (70.1 years) and report better overall health than Franklin or Fayette counties. However, neighboring Elmore County (74.6 years) shows significantly better longevity outcomes.

Insurance gaps and provider shortages

One in six DeKalb residents (15.2%) lack health insurance—well above Alabama's 11.1% state average. Primary care remains thin with only 40 providers per 100,000 residents, making routine care harder to access.

Explore health coverage options today

With 15.2% of residents uninsured, DeKalb families should investigate marketplace plans, Medicaid eligibility, and employer coverage. Visiting healthcare.gov or contacting local health departments can connect you with affordable options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of DeKalb County, AL?
DeKalb County has a health score of 14/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #66 out of 67 counties in Alabama (1 = healthiest). The score is based on CDC County Health Rankings data, combining life expectancy, uninsured rates, provider access, and behavioral health indicators.
What is the life expectancy in DeKalb County?
Life expectancy in DeKalb County is 72.4 years. The Alabama state average is 72.1 years, making DeKalb County above the state average.
How does DeKalb County health compare to the Alabama average?
DeKalb County's health score of 14/100 is below the Alabama average of 28/100. Life expectancy is 72.4 years vs. the state average of 72.1 years. The uninsured rate is 15.2% vs. 11.1% statewide.
What health factors affect DeKalb County?
Key health factors for DeKalb County include: life expectancy (72.4 years), uninsured rate (15.2%), and primary care physician access (40:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 55:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is DeKalb County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 14/100 ("Below Average"), DeKalb County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Alabama. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.4 years. 15.2% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
What are the biggest health challenges in DeKalb County?
DeKalb County's health score of 14/100 is below the Alabama average of 28/100. The uninsured rate of 15.2% means a significant portion of residents may face barriers to healthcare. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

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Data Sources

Health data sourced from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Data is informational only. Not medical or health advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.