Bell County Health Data

Bell County, Kentucky

Health Score

27/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

67.3 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

67.3 yr

State avg 72.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.0%

State avg 7.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

50

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

60

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Bell County, Kentucky

Bell faces a health emergency

Bell County residents live to just 67.3 years—the lowest in this comparison and 10.9 years below the U.S. average of 78.2 years. A striking 28.3% report poor or fair health—the highest rate among these eight counties.

Kentucky's critical health crisis

Bell's 67.3-year life expectancy falls 4.9 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, representing a major public health emergency. The 28.3% poor/fair health rate is far above the state norm, indicating severe chronic disease prevalence.

Moderate providers, severe outcomes

Bell has 50 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—competitive on paper—yet health outcomes remain the worst in this group. Mental health support is limited at just 60 providers per 100,000, suggesting coverage gaps despite primary care supply.

Uninsured rate near state average

About 7.0% of Bell residents lack health insurance, matching the state average, yet the county's health crisis persists despite comparable insurance rates to better-performing counties. This suggests deeper structural barriers to health beyond insurance access alone.

Coverage is just the start

Bell County residents: visit kynect.ky.gov to confirm you have insurance, then work with your provider on preventive screenings and chronic disease management. Community health initiatives and behavioral health support will be crucial to reversing Bell's health trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Bell County, KY?
Bell County has a health score of 27/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #109 out of 120 counties in Kentucky (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 Bell County?
Life expectancy in Bell County is 67.3 years. The Kentucky state average is 72.2 years, making Bell County below the state average.
How does Bell County health compare to the Kentucky average?
Bell County's health score of 27/100 is below the Kentucky average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 67.3 years vs. the state average of 72.2 years. The uninsured rate is 7.0% vs. 7.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Bell County?
Key health factors for Bell County include: life expectancy (67.3 years), uninsured rate (7.0%), and primary care physician access (50:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 60:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Bell County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 27/100 ("Below Average"), Bell County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Kentucky. Residents have a life expectancy of 67.3 years. 7.0% 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 Bell County?
Bell County's health score of 27/100 is below the Kentucky average of 41/100. 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.