Smith County Health Data

Smith County, Mississippi

Health Score

20/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.8%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.8 yr

State avg 70.9 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.8%

State avg 13.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

7

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

14

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Smith County, Mississippi

Smith County lives slightly above the curve

At 72.8 years, Smith County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by a notable gap, reflecting broader health challenges across Mississippi. The county's 25.1% poor or fair health rate sits well above the national average of roughly 15%, indicating significant room for improvement in chronic disease management and preventive care.

Smith County ranks above Mississippi average

Smith County's 72.8-year life expectancy outpaces Mississippi's state average of 70.9 years by nearly two years, placing it in the healthier tier of Mississippi counties. This advantage suggests better disease management or healthier lifestyle patterns compared to many rural peer counties.

Better off than Sunflower or Tunica

Smith County's 72.8-year life expectancy outperforms Sunflower County (67.2 years) and Tunica County (66.6 years), though it lags behind Stone County (71.5 years) and Tippah County (71.5 years). With only 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Smith County faces a significant provider shortage compared to Stone County's 32 per 100,000.

Low provider access offsets good insurance rates

Smith County's 13.8% uninsured rate matches Mississippi's state average, providing insurance coverage for nearly 9 in 10 residents—but only 7 primary care providers per 100,000 means finding that first appointment requires persistence. Mental health support is similarly stretched, with just 14 providers per 100,000 residents struggling to meet demand.

Check your coverage options today

With 13.8% of Smith County residents uninsured, exploring enrollment through Mississippi's health insurance marketplace or Medicaid expansion could improve your access to those limited primary care spots. Contact local health departments or visit HealthCare.gov to learn about plans that fit your budget and health needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Smith County, MS?
Smith County has a health score of 20/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #25 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 Smith County?
Life expectancy in Smith County is 72.8 years. The Mississippi state average is 70.9 years, making Smith County above the state average.
How does Smith County health compare to the Mississippi average?
Smith County's health score of 20/100 is above the Mississippi average of 18/100. Life expectancy is 72.8 years vs. the state average of 70.9 years. The uninsured rate is 13.8% vs. 13.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Smith County?
Key health factors for Smith County include: life expectancy (72.8 years), uninsured rate (13.8%), and primary care physician access (7:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 14:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Smith County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 20/100 ("Below Average"), Smith County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Mississippi. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.8 years. 13.8% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Smith County healthier than the Mississippi average?
Smith County's health score of 20/100 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. Smith County has better primary care access (7:1 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.