Breathitt County Health Data

Breathitt County, Kentucky

Health Score

29/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

67.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.7%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

67.5 yr

State avg 72.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.7%

State avg 7.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

44

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

239

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Breathitt County, Kentucky

Significant health crisis in place

Breathitt County residents live an average of just 67.5 years—almost 9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. Over 26.8% of adults report poor or fair health, the highest rate in this regional analysis. These figures mark Breathitt County as one of Kentucky's most health-challenged communities.

Among Kentucky's worst outcomes

At 67.5 years, Breathitt County's life expectancy is 4.7 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years, placing it among the state's lowest-ranked counties. Its 26.8% poor/fair health rate is the highest in this analysis, signaling significant health disparities. Urgent intervention is needed to reverse these trends.

Severe health disadvantage

Breathitt County's 67.5-year life expectancy trails all regional peers, including Bourbon (73.8) and even Bracken (71.5). Its 26.8% poor/fair health rate exceeds every other county analyzed, reflecting compounded challenges. The county provides 44 primary care and 239 mental health providers per 100,000—moderate access that cannot offset broader health crises.

Insurance gaps amid crisis

Breathitt County's uninsured rate of 6.7% is below state average, but many residents struggle with affordability and access even when insured. With 44 primary care providers per 100,000, the county faces both coverage and capacity challenges that limit everyday healthcare availability.

Take action on coverage now

Breathitt County faces a health crisis requiring immediate action—if you're among the 6.7% without insurance, enroll in Medicaid or a marketplace plan today. Once covered, connect with local health clinics and community resources to address the underlying health challenges facing your family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Breathitt County, KY?
Breathitt County has a health score of 29/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #97 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 Breathitt County?
Life expectancy in Breathitt County is 67.5 years. The Kentucky state average is 72.2 years, making Breathitt County below the state average.
How does Breathitt County health compare to the Kentucky average?
Breathitt County's health score of 29/100 is below the Kentucky average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 67.5 years vs. the state average of 72.2 years. The uninsured rate is 6.7% vs. 7.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Breathitt County?
Key health factors for Breathitt County include: life expectancy (67.5 years), uninsured rate (6.7%), and primary care physician access (44:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 239:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Breathitt County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 29/100 ("Below Average"), Breathitt County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Kentucky. Residents have a life expectancy of 67.5 years. 6.7% 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 Breathitt County?
Breathitt County's health score of 29/100 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.