North Slope Borough Health Data

North Slope Borough, Alaska

Health Score

39/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

75.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

14.7%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

75.8 yr

State avg 75.6 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

14.7%

State avg 15.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

37

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

94

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in North Slope Borough, Alaska

Life expectancy slightly above national average

North Slope residents live to 75.8 years, matching and slightly exceeding the U.S. average of 75.2 years. Only 19.4% report poor or fair health, just above the national average of 18%, indicating relatively strong health outcomes. This rural Alaska borough performs comparably to the nation despite geographic challenges.

Strong health metrics within Alaska context

At 75.8 years, North Slope's life expectancy essentially matches Alaska's state average of 75.6 years. The poor/fair health rate of 19.4% is among Alaska's better performers, indicating a community with relatively healthy population health. North Slope demonstrates effective health management despite Alaska's broader health challenges.

Outperforms most rural Alaska counterparts

North Slope's life expectancy of 75.8 years exceeds Kusilvak (65.0 years), Nome (68.9 years), and Northwest Arctic (67.8 years), while falling short of Petersburg (78.5 years) and Matanuska-Susitna (76.2 years). The poor/fair health rate of 19.4% is better than Nome (28.8%) and Kusilvak (36.8%), but higher than Petersburg (15.2%) and Mat-Su (18.6%). Strong primary health outcomes persist despite lower primary care provider density.

Adequate coverage with limited primary care access

North Slope's uninsured rate of 14.7% mirrors the state average, so most residents have coverage. The region has 37 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest among reporting Alaska counties—but mental health providers are available at 94 per 100,000. Healthcare access relies on regional coordination and telemedicine to supplement limited local primary care.

Secure coverage to access regional services

North Slope's low uninsured rate reflects strong community enrollment, but families should verify continuous coverage given limited local primary care options. Having active insurance ensures access to regional specialists and coordinated care networks. Confirm your coverage annually to maintain continuity as you navigate Alaska's healthcare system.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of North Slope Borough, AK?
North Slope Borough has a health score of 39/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #20 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 North Slope Borough?
Life expectancy in North Slope Borough is 75.8 years. The Alaska state average is 75.6 years, making North Slope Borough above the state average.
How does North Slope Borough health compare to the Alaska average?
North Slope Borough's health score of 39/100 is below the Alaska average of 40/100. Life expectancy is 75.8 years vs. the state average of 75.6 years. The uninsured rate is 14.7% vs. 15.9% statewide.
What health factors affect North Slope Borough?
Key health factors for North Slope Borough include: life expectancy (75.8 years), uninsured rate (14.7%), and primary care physician access (37:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 94:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is North Slope Borough a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 39/100 ("Below Average"), North Slope Borough faces health challenges compared to other counties in Alaska. Residents have a life expectancy of 75.8 years. 14.7% 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 North Slope Borough?
North Slope Borough's health score of 39/100 is below the Alaska average of 40/100. The uninsured rate of 14.7% 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.