Wayne County Health Data

Wayne County, Michigan

Health Score

53/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.9 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.7%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.9 yr

State avg 76.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.7%

State avg 6.4%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

70

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

365

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Wayne County, Michigan

Wayne faces significant health challenges

Wayne County's 72.9-year life expectancy falls 2.2 years short of the U.S. average and reflects substantial health disparities within the county. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.8%) report being in poor or fair health, compared to 18% nationally, signaling widespread healthcare strain.

Among Michigan's lowest-ranked counties

Wayne County's life expectancy trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 3.4 years, ranking it among the state's most health-challenged communities. This gap reflects decades of economic transitions, healthcare access barriers, and concentrated poverty across the county.

Significantly behind surrounding counties

Wayne residents live nearly 8 years fewer than those in Washtenaw County (80.5 years) and 2 years less than Wexford County (74.9 years). With only 70 primary care providers per 100,000 people, Wayne faces critical shortages that limit preventive care availability.

Coverage gaps and provider shortage

Wayne's 5.7% uninsured rate exceeds Michigan's average, leaving thousands without regular healthcare access amid a severe provider drought. Mental health services are equally strained, with just 365 providers per 100,000 residents, creating long waits for critical care.

Finding coverage starts here

If you're uninsured, applying for Medicaid or marketplace insurance is your fastest path to care—Wayne residents qualify at higher rates. Visit michigan.gov/mdhhs or call 1-855-789-5604 to explore no-cost or low-cost plans available to you today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Wayne County, MI?
Wayne County has a health score of 53/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #76 out of 83 counties in Michigan (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 Wayne County?
Life expectancy in Wayne County is 72.9 years. The Michigan state average is 76.3 years, making Wayne County below the state average.
How does Wayne County health compare to the Michigan average?
Wayne County's health score of 53/100 is below the Michigan average of 69/100. Life expectancy is 72.9 years vs. the state average of 76.3 years. The uninsured rate is 5.7% vs. 6.4% statewide.
What health factors affect Wayne County?
Key health factors for Wayne County include: life expectancy (72.9 years), uninsured rate (5.7%), and primary care physician access (70:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 365:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Wayne County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 53/100 ("Below Average"), Wayne County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Michigan. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.9 years. 5.7% 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 Wayne County?
Wayne County's health score of 53/100 is below the Michigan average of 69/100. 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.