Worcester County Health Data

Worcester County, Massachusetts

Health Score

90/100

Excellent

Life Expectancy

78.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

3.2%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

78.8 yr

State avg 79.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

3.2%

State avg 3.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

93

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

606

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Worcester County, Massachusetts

Worcester tied with national baseline

Worcester County's life expectancy of 78.8 years matches the U.S. average of 78.9 years, placing it at the national benchmark despite being in Massachusetts. At 14.6% reporting poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 15.3%, Worcester performs marginally better than the nation overall.

Below average health for Massachusetts

Worcester County's 78.8-year life expectancy falls 0.9 years short of the state average of 79.7 years, among the lowest in Massachusetts. The 14.6% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average, indicating Worcester residents face steeper health challenges than much of the commonwealth.

Tied with Plymouth on life expectancy

Worcester and Plymouth counties both report 78.8-year life expectancy, the lowest among the six counties compared and well behind Nantucket (82.8 years) and Middlesex (81.5 years). Worcester's 3.2% uninsured rate slightly exceeds nearby Massachusetts counties, adding economic barriers to healthcare access.

Moderate provider access, health barriers remain

Worcester has 93 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, middling capacity compared to better-resourced counties like Suffolk (157) and Middlesex (125). With 606 mental health providers per 100,000 and a 3.2% uninsured rate—above the state average—Worcester residents face dual barriers: limited primary care and higher uninsured rates.

Coverage is the first health investment

In Worcester County, where uninsured rates run higher and primary care access is stretched, consistent insurance coverage becomes even more critical. Visit healthcare.gov or explore MassHealth options to lock in coverage and connect with the providers you need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Worcester County, MA?
Worcester County has a health score of 90/100, rated "Excellent." It ranks #10 out of 14 counties in Massachusetts (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 Worcester County?
Life expectancy in Worcester County is 78.8 years. The Massachusetts state average is 79.7 years, making Worcester County below the state average.
How does Worcester County health compare to the Massachusetts average?
Worcester County's health score of 90/100 is below the Massachusetts average of 91/100. Life expectancy is 78.8 years vs. the state average of 79.7 years. The uninsured rate is 3.2% vs. 3.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Worcester County?
Key health factors for Worcester County include: life expectancy (78.8 years), uninsured rate (3.2%), and primary care physician access (93:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 606:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Worcester County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 90/100 ("Excellent"), Worcester County is one of the healthier counties in Massachusetts. Residents have a life expectancy of 78.8 years. 3.2% 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 Worcester County?
Worcester County's health score of 90/100 is below the Massachusetts average of 91/100. 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.