Clay County Health Data

Clay County, Kentucky

Health Score

21/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

68.3 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.3%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

68.3 yr

State avg 72.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.3%

State avg 7.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

40

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

112

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Clay County, Kentucky

Clay County faces significant health challenges

At 68.3 years, Clay County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 71.4 years by 3.1 years, signaling serious underlying health problems. Nearly one-third (31.2%) of residents report poor or fair health—nearly 50% worse than the national rate of 21%.

Worst health outcomes in Kentucky

Clay County ranks among Kentucky's lowest in life expectancy at 68.3 years, nearly 4 years below the state average of 72.2. Its 8.3% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 7.0%, compounding healthcare access barriers.

Struggling compared to nearby counties

Clay County's 68.3-year life expectancy falls far short of neighboring Clinton County (71.7 years) and Crittenden County (71.8 years). Its 31.2% poor/fair health rate is the highest among peer counties, reflecting deeper chronic disease burden.

Limited provider access compounds uninsurance

With 8.3% uninsured and only 40 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Clay County faces a dual crisis of affordability and access. Mental health providers are sparse at 112 per 100K, limiting care for depression and substance use—major drivers of poor health outcomes.

Take action: get insured today

If you're among the 8.3% uninsured in Clay County, coverage can be life-changing—literally. Visit kynect.ky.gov immediately to explore Medicaid expansion and marketplace plans; financial help is available for low-income households.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Clay County, KY?
Clay County has a health score of 21/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #119 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 Clay County?
Life expectancy in Clay County is 68.3 years. The Kentucky state average is 72.2 years, making Clay County below the state average.
How does Clay County health compare to the Kentucky average?
Clay County's health score of 21/100 is below the Kentucky average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 68.3 years vs. the state average of 72.2 years. The uninsured rate is 8.3% vs. 7.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Clay County?
Key health factors for Clay County include: life expectancy (68.3 years), uninsured rate (8.3%), and primary care physician access (40:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 112:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Clay County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 21/100 ("Below Average"), Clay County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Kentucky. Residents have a life expectancy of 68.3 years. 8.3% 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 Clay County?
Clay County's health score of 21/100 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.