Jackson County Health Data

Jackson County, Kentucky

Health Score

28/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

71.1 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.5%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

71.1 yr

State avg 72.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.5%

State avg 7.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

23

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

31

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Jackson County, Kentucky

Jackson County Faces Severe Health Crisis

Jackson County residents live to just 71.1 years on average—a staggering 7 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years. Nearly three in ten people (29.5%) report poor or fair health, the highest rate in Kentucky and a clear sign of deep health disparities.

Jackson Ranks Worst in State Health

At 71.1 years, Jackson County has Kentucky's lowest life expectancy among these counties, falling below the state average of 72.2 years. Its 29.5% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the region and among Kentucky's worst overall, signaling a public health emergency.

Rural Distress Evident in All Metrics

Jackson County's 71.1-year life expectancy and 29.5% poor/fair health rate both rank worst among its peer group. With just 23 primary care providers and 31 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, the county faces a severe rural healthcare access crisis.

Uninsurance and Access Crisis Compounds

Jackson County's 7.5% uninsured rate exceeds Kentucky's average, and its 23 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region—means residents travel far for basic care. With only 31 mental health providers per 100,000, behavioral health needs go largely unmet.

Jackson County: Coverage Is Critical Now

Jackson County's severe health crisis makes insurance access a matter of urgency. Visit kynect.ky.gov or call 1-855-4KY-ENROLL immediately—coverage protects you from financial ruin and connects you to the care your community desperately needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Jackson County, KY?
Jackson County has a health score of 28/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #103 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 Jackson County?
Life expectancy in Jackson County is 71.1 years. The Kentucky state average is 72.2 years, making Jackson County below the state average.
How does Jackson County health compare to the Kentucky average?
Jackson County's health score of 28/100 is below the Kentucky average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 71.1 years vs. the state average of 72.2 years. The uninsured rate is 7.5% vs. 7.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Jackson County?
Key health factors for Jackson County include: life expectancy (71.1 years), uninsured rate (7.5%), and primary care physician access (23:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 31:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Jackson County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 28/100 ("Below Average"), Jackson County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Kentucky. Residents have a life expectancy of 71.1 years. 7.5% 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 Jackson County?
Jackson County's health score of 28/100 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.