Somerset County Health Data

Somerset County, Maryland

Health Score

47/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

74.0 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.1%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

74.0 yr

State avg 77.0 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.1%

State avg 6.4%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

37

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

329

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Somerset County, Maryland

Somerset Faces Significant Health Disparities

Somerset's life expectancy of 74.0 years lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.4 years, and 23.5% of residents report poor or fair health—well above the national 17.3%. These gaps signal limited access to preventive care and higher disease burden in this rural county.

Maryland's Lowest Life Expectancy County

Somerset's 74.0-year life expectancy falls 3.0 years below Maryland's 77.0-year average, placing it at the bottom of the state's health rankings. The 23.5% poor/fair health rate further underscores the county's health crisis and urgent need for targeted interventions.

Struggling Compared to Eastern Shore Peers

Somerset's 74.0-year life expectancy trails Queen Anne's (79.6 years) by 5.6 years and Talbot County (78.9 years) by nearly 5 years. Despite strong mental health provider availability at 329 per 100,000, the county's broader health outcomes lag, suggesting systemic barriers beyond provider density alone.

Low Uninsured Rate Masks Deeper Access Gaps

While Somerset's 6.1% uninsured rate matches Maryland's state average, only 37 primary care providers serve 100,000 residents—indicating geographic or logistical barriers to care. Rural isolation and economic constraints compound these structural challenges, leaving many unable to access preventive services.

Don't Go Without Coverage—Act Now

If you're part of Somerset's uninsured population, healthcare.gov makes it easy to find plans during open enrollment. Medicaid also covers many county residents; contact your local health department to learn if you qualify and to connect with primary care providers despite distance or transportation barriers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Somerset County, MD?
Somerset County has a health score of 47/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #22 out of 24 counties in Maryland (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 Somerset County?
Life expectancy in Somerset County is 74.0 years. The Maryland state average is 77.0 years, making Somerset County below the state average.
How does Somerset County health compare to the Maryland average?
Somerset County's health score of 47/100 is below the Maryland average of 73/100. Life expectancy is 74.0 years vs. the state average of 77.0 years. The uninsured rate is 6.1% vs. 6.4% statewide.
What health factors affect Somerset County?
Key health factors for Somerset County include: life expectancy (74.0 years), uninsured rate (6.1%), and primary care physician access (37:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 329:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Somerset County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 47/100 ("Below Average"), Somerset County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Maryland. Residents have a life expectancy of 74.0 years. 6.1% 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 Somerset County?
Somerset County's health score of 47/100 is below the Maryland average of 73/100. 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.