Pontotoc County Health Data

Pontotoc County, Mississippi

Health Score

25/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.7 yr

Uninsured Rate

15.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.7 yr

State avg 70.9 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

15.0%

State avg 13.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

19

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

41

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Pontotoc County, Mississippi

Pontotoc outpaces national life expectancy

Pontotoc County residents live to 72.7 years on average, outperforming the U.S. average of 74.5 years by a smaller margin than most Mississippi counties. However, 21.3% of adults report poor or fair health—still well above the national rate of 18%—indicating room for health improvement despite relative longevity.

Pontotoc beats state health averages

At 72.7 years, Pontotoc County's life expectancy exceeds Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by 1.8 years, placing it in the upper tier of county performers. Its 21.3% poor/fair health rate also ranks better than the state median, reflecting stronger overall community health.

Among the healthier counties regionally

Pontotoc's 72.7-year life expectancy tops neighboring Prentiss (72.0) and Simpson (70.6), positioning it as a relative health leader in North Mississippi. The 21.3% poor health rate beats all but the healthiest regional peers, though gaps remain when compared to Rankin County's 19.1%.

Primary care access remains challenging

Pontotoc's 15.0% uninsured rate slightly exceeds the state average of 13.9%, affecting roughly 1 in 6.5 residents. The critical concern is provider scarcity: only 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the state—forces many to travel for basic medical care.

Strengthen your coverage this year

With 15% of Pontotoc residents uninsured, exploring coverage options can be life-changing for your family's health and finances. Visit healthcare.gov or your state's insurance marketplace to find plans within your budget and eligibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Pontotoc County, MS?
Pontotoc County has a health score of 25/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #19 out of 82 counties in Mississippi (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 Pontotoc County?
Life expectancy in Pontotoc County is 72.7 years. The Mississippi state average is 70.9 years, making Pontotoc County above the state average.
How does Pontotoc County health compare to the Mississippi average?
Pontotoc County's health score of 25/100 is above the Mississippi average of 18/100. Life expectancy is 72.7 years vs. the state average of 70.9 years. The uninsured rate is 15.0% vs. 13.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Pontotoc County?
Key health factors for Pontotoc County include: life expectancy (72.7 years), uninsured rate (15.0%), and primary care physician access (19:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 41:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Pontotoc County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 25/100 ("Below Average"), Pontotoc County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Mississippi. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.7 years. 15.0% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Pontotoc County healthier than the Mississippi average?
Pontotoc County's health score of 25/100 exceeds the Mississippi average of 18/100. Higher health scores often correlate with better access to healthcare providers, lower uninsured rates, higher median incomes, and environmental factors. Pontotoc County has better primary care access (19:1 ratio) than the state average (39:1).

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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.