Jefferson County Health Data

Jefferson County, Kentucky

Health Score

51/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.3 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.3%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.3 yr

State avg 72.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.3%

State avg 7.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

92

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

407

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Jefferson County, Kentucky

Jefferson Leads Kentucky, Still Behind Nation

Jefferson County residents live to 73.3 years on average—5 years below the U.S. average of 78.1 years—but this is Kentucky's highest rate among these counties. Just 19.9% report poor or fair health, the lowest in the region and a reflection of Louisville's urban healthcare infrastructure.

Kentucky's Health Leader and Urban Hub

At 73.3 years, Jefferson County—home to Louisville—ranks at the top of Kentucky's life expectancy tier and exceeds the state average of 72.2 years by 1.1 years. Its 19.9% poor/fair health rate is among the state's lowest, evidence of stronger disease management in an urban setting.

Urban Advantage Over Rural Peers

Jefferson's 73.3-year life expectancy ties with Henderson County as the region's highest, and its 19.9% poor/fair health rate ranks second-best. With 92 primary care and 407 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Jefferson's urban scale and resources dwarf rural peers like Jackson and Hickman.

Strongest Insurance and Provider Access

Jefferson County's 6.3% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region and well below Kentucky's 7% average, reflecting Louisville's larger economy and employer base. With 92 primary care and 407 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—by far the highest mental health density in the comparison—the county offers unmatched healthcare access.

Jefferson: Keep Coverage Current

Jefferson County's healthcare strength depends on broad insurance participation. Even here, over 6% remain uninsured—visit kynect.ky.gov to confirm your coverage or explore plans if your circumstances have shifted.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Jefferson County, KY?
Jefferson County has a health score of 51/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #26 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 Jefferson County?
Life expectancy in Jefferson County is 73.3 years. The Kentucky state average is 72.2 years, making Jefferson County above the state average.
How does Jefferson County health compare to the Kentucky average?
Jefferson County's health score of 51/100 is above the Kentucky average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 73.3 years vs. the state average of 72.2 years. The uninsured rate is 6.3% vs. 7.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Jefferson County?
Key health factors for Jefferson County include: life expectancy (73.3 years), uninsured rate (6.3%), and primary care physician access (92:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 407:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Jefferson County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 51/100 ("Below Average"), Jefferson County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Kentucky. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.3 years. 6.3% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Jefferson County healthier than the Kentucky average?
Jefferson County's health score of 51/100 exceeds the Kentucky average of 41/100. Higher health scores often correlate with better access to healthcare providers, lower uninsured rates, higher median incomes, and environmental factors.

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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.