Ashe County Health Data

Ashe County, North Carolina

Health Score

45/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

75.7 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.6%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

75.7 yr

State avg 74.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.6%

State avg 12.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

49

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

177

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Ashe County, North Carolina

Ashe residents live well

Ashe County residents have a life expectancy of 75.7 years, just shy of the U.S. average of 76.4 years. The county's 17.8% poor or fair health rate is notably better than the national average, reflecting relatively good overall health status.

Above average for North Carolina

Ashe County's 75.7-year life expectancy exceeds North Carolina's 74.4-year state average by more than a year, placing it in the upper tier of county health rankings. The county performs well on both longevity and self-reported health measures.

Strong performer in mountain region

Ashe County's 75.7-year life expectancy compares well to neighboring Alleghany (77.3 years) and Avery (75.9 years) counties in the western mountains. The county provides 49 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 177 mental health providers, offering solid healthcare infrastructure.

Modest uninsured rate, stable access

Ashe County's 13.6% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average, yet the county maintains reasonable primary and mental health provider density. Residents enjoy relatively good access to care, though rural geography may still create travel challenges for some.

Close the coverage gap

One in seven Ashe County residents lack health insurance, leaving them vulnerable to medical debt and delayed care. Check healthcare.gov or call 211 to find Medicaid, marketplace, or employer coverage options available to you today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Ashe County, NC?
Ashe County has a health score of 45/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #38 out of 100 counties in North Carolina (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 Ashe County?
Life expectancy in Ashe County is 75.7 years. The North Carolina state average is 74.4 years, making Ashe County above the state average.
How does Ashe County health compare to the North Carolina average?
Ashe County's health score of 45/100 is above the North Carolina average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 75.7 years vs. the state average of 74.4 years. The uninsured rate is 13.6% vs. 12.5% statewide.
What health factors affect Ashe County?
Key health factors for Ashe County include: life expectancy (75.7 years), uninsured rate (13.6%), and primary care physician access (49:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 177:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Ashe County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 45/100 ("Below Average"), Ashe County faces health challenges compared to other counties in North Carolina. Residents have a life expectancy of 75.7 years. 13.6% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Ashe County healthier than the North Carolina average?
Ashe County's health score of 45/100 exceeds the North Carolina average of 41/100. Higher health scores often correlate with better access to healthcare providers, lower uninsured rates, higher median incomes, and environmental factors. Ashe County has better primary care access (49:1 ratio) than the state average (52:1).

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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.