Santa Barbara County Health Data

Santa Barbara County, California

Health Score

72/100

Average

Life Expectancy

80.6 yr

Uninsured Rate

9.2%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

80.6 yr

State avg 78.5 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

9.2%

State avg 7.2%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

77

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

669

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Santa Barbara County, California

Santa Barbara health trajectory shifts

Santa Barbara residents live to 80.6 years, slightly above the U.S. average of 78.3 years. However, 16.7% report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 18%, reflecting health challenges despite higher longevity.

Above state average, facing gaps

Life expectancy in Santa Barbara County reaches 80.6 years, edging above California's 78.5 average by 2.1 years. Yet the county's uninsured rate of 9.2% significantly exceeds the state average of 7.2%, indicating access barriers for some residents.

Health disparities within region

Santa Barbara's 16.7% poor/fair health rate ties with nearby Santa Cruz County but trails Bay Area neighbors San Mateo (13.2%) and Santa Clara (14.8%). The county's 9.2% uninsured rate ranks among the highest in this regional cluster.

Uninsured challenges, mental health strength

Nearly 1 in 11 Santa Barbara residents lack health insurance at 9.2%, creating barriers to preventive care and routine treatment. The county partially compensates with 669 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—the highest in this comparison—though primary care access at 77 per 100K remains below state needs.

Find affordable coverage now

With 9.2% uninsured, many Santa Barbara residents qualify for subsidized plans. Visit coveredca.com today to compare options, check eligibility for cost assistance, and secure coverage that protects your health and finances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Santa Barbara County, CA?
Santa Barbara County has a health score of 72/100, rated "Average." It ranks #27 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 Santa Barbara County?
Life expectancy in Santa Barbara County is 80.6 years. The California state average is 78.5 years, making Santa Barbara County above the state average.
How does Santa Barbara County health compare to the California average?
Santa Barbara County's health score of 72/100 is above the California average of 67/100. Life expectancy is 80.6 years vs. the state average of 78.5 years. The uninsured rate is 9.2% vs. 7.2% statewide.
What health factors affect Santa Barbara County?
Key health factors for Santa Barbara County include: life expectancy (80.6 years), uninsured rate (9.2%), and primary care physician access (77:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 669:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Santa Barbara County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 72/100 ("Average"), Santa Barbara County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in California. Residents have a life expectancy of 80.6 years. 9.2% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Santa Barbara County healthier than the California average?
Santa Barbara County's health score of 72/100 exceeds the California average of 67/100. Higher health scores often correlate with better access to healthcare providers, lower uninsured rates, higher median incomes, and environmental factors.

Counties with Similar Health Profile

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.