Del Norte County Health Data

Del Norte County, California

Health Score

38/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.8 yr

State avg 78.5 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.0%

State avg 7.2%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

61

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

504

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Del Norte County, California

Del Norte's health crisis runs deep

At 73.8 years, Del Norte County's life expectancy is among the lowest in America, trailing the U.S. average of 76.1 years by 2.3 years and California's 78.5 state average by 4.7 years. A staggering 24.4% report poor or fair health—the highest rate among these counties and 36% above the national average—indicating severe health burden. Del Norte faces one of California's most acute health crises.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Del Norte County ranks at or near the bottom of California's 58 counties for life expectancy at 73.8 years, well below the state's 78.5-year average. Its 24.4% poor/fair health rate ties Colusa as the state's worst health perception indicator. Del Norte's population is dying younger and reporting more chronic illness than nearly any California county.

Isolated and declining

Del Norte's 73.8-year life expectancy is dramatically lower than any comparable California county examined here, making it a regional and statewide outlier. Its 24.4% poor/fair health rate matches Colusa's worst-in-sample rate and is nearly 7 percentage points worse than Butte (18.2%). Geographic isolation in far-north California compounds Del Norte's health disadvantage.

Uninsured and undersupported

Del Norte's 8.0% uninsured rate exceeds California's 7.2% state average, and primary care providers are limited at 61 per 100,000. Mental health providers at 504 per 100,000 are comparatively robust, though overall healthcare desert conditions persist. A population experiencing high disease burden and poor health has inadequate resources to manage chronic illness.

Coverage is essential for Del Norte

Del Norte residents urgently need health insurance to address the county's severe health crisis; 8% uninsured is unacceptable in a struggling population. Covered California and Medi-Cal offer free or low-cost options year-round—visit coveredca.com or call Del Norte County's Health and Human Services Division at (707) 464-0111. Coverage combined with community health center visits can begin reversing decades of health decline.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Del Norte County, CA?
Del Norte County has a health score of 38/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #58 out of 58 counties in California (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 Del Norte County?
Life expectancy in Del Norte County is 73.8 years. The California state average is 78.5 years, making Del Norte County below the state average.
How does Del Norte County health compare to the California average?
Del Norte County's health score of 38/100 is below the California average of 67/100. Life expectancy is 73.8 years vs. the state average of 78.5 years. The uninsured rate is 8.0% vs. 7.2% statewide.
What health factors affect Del Norte County?
Key health factors for Del Norte County include: life expectancy (73.8 years), uninsured rate (8.0%), and primary care physician access (61:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 504:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Del Norte County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 38/100 ("Below Average"), Del Norte County faces health challenges compared to other counties in California. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.8 years. 8.0% 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 Del Norte County?
Del Norte County's health score of 38/100 is below the California average of 67/100. 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.