Metcalfe County Health Data

Metcalfe County, Kentucky

Health Score

36/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

71.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.4%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

71.8 yr

State avg 72.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.4%

State avg 7.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

19

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

105

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Metcalfe County, Kentucky

Metcalfe's life expectancy lags nationally

At 71.8 years, Metcalfe County's life expectancy falls 2.2 years short of the U.S. average (74.0) and falls just below Kentucky's state average (72.2). One in four residents (25.7%) reports poor or fair health, reflecting significant chronic disease burden in this south-central Kentucky community.

Below-average health outcomes in Kentucky

Metcalfe's 71.8-year life expectancy and 25.7% poor health rate place it among Kentucky's lower-performing counties, though not at the bottom. The 6.4% uninsured rate actually trails the state average, suggesting coverage access isn't the primary driver of poor outcomes.

Struggles despite provider availability

Metcalfe's 71.8-year life expectancy ranks below McLean (74.5), Mercer (73.4), and Monroe (72.3), though its 19 primary care providers per 100,000 is the lowest among immediate peers. With 105 mental health providers per 100,000, the county has respectable mental health capacity, yet health indicators remain weak.

Lowest primary care access in region

Metcalfe has just 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest density among neighboring counties—potentially limiting access to preventive and chronic disease management. At 6.4% uninsured, coverage exists for most, but the scarcity of primary care doctors may be forcing residents into crisis care.

Secure coverage, find local providers

Metcalfe residents need both insurance and reliable provider relationships to overcome the county's primary care shortage. Check kynect.ky.gov to confirm your coverage and ask your doctor for referrals to available primary care physicians.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Metcalfe County, KY?
Metcalfe County has a health score of 36/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #65 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 Metcalfe County?
Life expectancy in Metcalfe County is 71.8 years. The Kentucky state average is 72.2 years, making Metcalfe County below the state average.
How does Metcalfe County health compare to the Kentucky average?
Metcalfe County's health score of 36/100 is below the Kentucky average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 71.8 years vs. the state average of 72.2 years. The uninsured rate is 6.4% vs. 7.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Metcalfe County?
Key health factors for Metcalfe County include: life expectancy (71.8 years), uninsured rate (6.4%), and primary care physician access (19:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 105:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Metcalfe County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 36/100 ("Below Average"), Metcalfe County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Kentucky. Residents have a life expectancy of 71.8 years. 6.4% 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 Metcalfe County?
Metcalfe County's health score of 36/100 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.