Nome Census Area Health Data

Nome Census Area, Alaska

CDC County Health Rankings

Health Score

8/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

68.9 yr

Uninsured Rate

14.5%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

68.9 yr

State avg 75.6 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

14.5%

State avg 15.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

132

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

1127

per 100K population

National avg 350

Poor / Fair Health

28.8%

State avg 19.1%

National avg 19.6%

Healthcare Access

Primary Care Physicians

131.0

per 100K residentsCDC: 131.8 per 100K

Dentists

80.6

per 100K residents

Nurse Practitioners & PAs

40.3

per 100K residents

Provider counts from CMS NPPES (National Provider Identifier Registry). Data current as of 2026.

Chronic Disease & Behavioral Health

These prevalence estimates come from the CDC PLACES program (Population-Level Analysis and Community Estimates), which combines BRFSS survey data with statistical modeling to produce county-level rates. Estimates are age-adjusted to enable fair comparisons across counties with different age distributions. Use them to spot where Nome Census Area differs most from state and national norms.

Most prevalent chronic conditions

MeasureNome Census AreaState avgNational avgVs state
Obesity38.8%35.3%37.6%3.5 pts worse than state
Diabetes13.7%10.4%11.2%3.3 pts worse than state
High Blood Pressure35.5%32.8%33.5%2.7 pts worse than state
Depression20.1%19.7%24.1%near state average

Health-risk behaviors

MeasureNome Census AreaState avgNational avgVs state
Current Cigarette Smoking28.7%19.3%16.3%9.4 pts worse than state
Binge Drinking17.9%18.4%17.8%near state average
Physical Inactivity30.3%24.2%27.0%6.1 pts worse than state

Preventive-care uptake

MeasureNome Census AreaState avgNational avgVs state
Annual Routine Checkup65.3%66.0%74.9%0.7 pts worse than state
Dental Visit (past year)39.4%53.6%57.3%14.2 pts worse than state
Mammography (women 50–74)58.7%64.4%73.3%5.7 pts worse than state

Daily-life impact

MeasureNome Census AreaState avgNational avgVs state
Frequent Mental Distress20.0%17.0%18.6%3.0 pts worse than state
Short Sleep Duration44.0%37.3%37.3%6.7 pts worse than state

These rates are part of the CDC PLACES survey. Compare Nome Census Area nationally on dental visit (past year).

Source: CDC PLACES, 2023 release · age-adjusted prevalence (%). Confidence intervals are available on individual rankings pages.

Data Story

Nome Census Area Mental Health Provider Ratio Exceeds National Medians

Health data brief for Nome Census Area, Alaska.

By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorPublished Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor
Lead metric:Mental health access

The Nome Census Area features a mental health provider ratio of 1,127 per 100,000 residents, more than four times the national median of 250 per 100,000. The primary care provider ratio is 132 per 100,000, which is also higher than the national median of 70. However, the life expectancy in the area is 68.9 years, significantly lower than both the state average of 75.6 years and the national average of 77 years. Additionally, 28.8% of residents report poor or fair health, compared to the national average of 17%. The uninsured rate is 14.5%, which is below the state average of 15.9%. Review the HHS National Plan & Provider Enumeration System for more information.

Get Care in Nome Census Area, Alaska

Direct contact information for hospitals and community health resources serving this county. Hospital quality ratings come from CMS Care Compare — the federal program that measures hospital performance on safety, patient experience, and outcomes.

Norton Sound Regional Hospital

ER
Not rated by CMS
(907) 443-3311
1000 Greg Kruschek Avenue (p O Box 966), Nome, AK 99762
Critical Access HospitalsTribal

Sources: Hospital data: CMS Care Compare. Quality ratings: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Community health center directory: HRSA. Last reviewed 2026-05-14.

Information is for general guidance only and is not medical advice. Always call ahead to confirm services, hours, and insurance accepted. In a medical emergency, dial 911.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Nome Census Area, AK?
Nome Census Area has a health score of 8/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #26 out of 30 counties in Alaska (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 Nome Census Area?
Life expectancy in Nome Census Area is 68.9 years. The Alaska state average is 75.6 years, making Nome Census Area below the state average.
How does Nome Census Area health compare to the Alaska average?
Nome Census Area's health score of 8/100 is below the Alaska average of 40/100. Life expectancy is 68.9 years vs. the state average of 75.6 years. The uninsured rate is 14.5% vs. 15.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Nome Census Area?
Key health factors for Nome Census Area include: life expectancy (68.9 years), uninsured rate (14.5%), and primary care physician access (132:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 1,127:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Nome Census Area a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 8/100 ("Below Average"), Nome Census Area faces health challenges compared to other counties in Alaska. Residents have a life expectancy of 68.9 years. 14.5% 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 Nome Census Area?
Nome Census Area's health score of 8/100 is below the Alaska average of 40/100. The uninsured rate of 14.5% 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.

Counties with Similar Health Profile

By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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.