Wolfe County Health Data

Wolfe County, Kentucky

Health Score

23/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

65.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.6%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

65.5 yr

State avg 72.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.6%

State avg 7.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

31

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

223

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Wolfe County, Kentucky

Wolfe County faces severe health crisis

At 65.5 years, Wolfe County's life expectancy ranks 5.9 years below the U.S. average of 71.4 years—among the lowest in America. The county's 35.5% poor or fair health rate is nearly double the national average of 21%, indicating a health emergency.

Kentucky's most serious health crisis

Wolfe County's 65.5-year life expectancy ranks 6.7 years below Kentucky's state average of 72.2 years—the lowest in the state's dataset. With over one-third of residents reporting poor or fair health, the county faces an urgent public health challenge.

Isolated in regional health struggle

Wolfe County's life expectancy is dramatically lower than all regional peers—Union County (73.3 years), Warren County (75.3 years), and even Webster County (70.1 years). The county's 31 primary care providers and 223 mental health providers per 100,000 residents offer modest care infrastructure, but this hasn't reversed the health crisis.

Coverage exists but barriers remain

Wolfe County's 7.6% uninsured rate mirrors Kentucky's state average, and the county provides 31 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—suggesting coverage and access shouldn't be bottlenecks. Yet the devastating 65.5-year life expectancy and 35.5% poor/fair health rate point to deeper crises: poverty, substance abuse, or lack of trust in the healthcare system itself.

Coverage is step one of recovery

Wolfe County residents without insurance should enroll at healthcare.gov or contact local health centers immediately—coverage opens doors to treatment for chronic disease and substance use disorder. Beyond insurance, the county needs sustained investment in mental health, addiction services, and economic opportunity to reverse its health trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Wolfe County, KY?
Wolfe County has a health score of 23/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #117 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 Wolfe County?
Life expectancy in Wolfe County is 65.5 years. The Kentucky state average is 72.2 years, making Wolfe County below the state average.
How does Wolfe County health compare to the Kentucky average?
Wolfe County's health score of 23/100 is below the Kentucky average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 65.5 years vs. the state average of 72.2 years. The uninsured rate is 7.6% vs. 7.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Wolfe County?
Key health factors for Wolfe County include: life expectancy (65.5 years), uninsured rate (7.6%), and primary care physician access (31:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 223:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Wolfe County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 23/100 ("Below Average"), Wolfe County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Kentucky. Residents have a life expectancy of 65.5 years. 7.6% 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 Wolfe County?
Wolfe County's health score of 23/100 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.