Jefferson County Health Data

Jefferson County, Arkansas

Health Score

26/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

70.3 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.8%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

70.3 yr

State avg 72.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.8%

State avg 9.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

73

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

240

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Jefferson County, Arkansas

Jefferson falls short on life span

At 70.3 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by over 6 years, reflecting concentrated health disadvantages. With 27.6% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national rate of roughly 18%—Jefferson faces significant chronic disease and preventive care gaps.

Among Arkansas's lowest life expectancy

Jefferson County's 70.3 years falls noticeably below the state average of 72.3 years, making it one of Arkansas's worst-performing counties by this critical metric. The 27.6% poor/fair health rate suggests systemic barriers to care and higher disease burden than most state peers.

Strongest healthcare infrastructure regionally

Despite low life expectancy, Jefferson County boasts 73 primary care providers and 240 mental health providers per 100K—the most robust healthcare network in its region by far. This paradox suggests access alone cannot overcome broader socioeconomic and health challenges facing the county.

Best insured county in the region

At 7.8% uninsured, Jefferson County performs well below the state average of 9.9%, with nearly 9 in 10 residents carrying some coverage. Yet with 73 primary care and 240 mental health providers per 100K—the region's best access—Jefferson's health struggles point to poverty, chronic disease, and care quality issues beyond mere insurance status.

Verify your coverage keeps you safe

Jefferson County's strong provider network means coverage gaps leave you exposed—not stretched thin. If you're among the 7.8% uninsured, connecting with Medicaid or marketplace plans immediately strengthens your access to the excellent facilities in your county.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Jefferson County, AR?
Jefferson County has a health score of 26/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #48 out of 75 counties in Arkansas (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 Jefferson County?
Life expectancy in Jefferson County is 70.3 years. The Arkansas state average is 72.3 years, making Jefferson County below the state average.
How does Jefferson County health compare to the Arkansas average?
Jefferson County's health score of 26/100 is below the Arkansas average of 29/100. Life expectancy is 70.3 years vs. the state average of 72.3 years. The uninsured rate is 7.8% vs. 9.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Jefferson County?
Key health factors for Jefferson County include: life expectancy (70.3 years), uninsured rate (7.8%), and primary care physician access (73:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 240:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Jefferson County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 26/100 ("Below Average"), Jefferson County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Arkansas. Residents have a life expectancy of 70.3 years. 7.8% 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 Jefferson County?
Jefferson County's health score of 26/100 is below the Arkansas average of 29/100. 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.