Buncombe County Health Data

Buncombe County, North Carolina

Health Score

64/100

Average

Life Expectancy

77.4 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.1%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

77.4 yr

State avg 74.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.1%

State avg 12.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

141

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

896

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Buncombe County, North Carolina

Buncombe rivals national health benchmarks

Buncombe County residents live to 77.4 years, essentially matching the U.S. life expectancy of 78.9 years and reflecting excellent population health. Only 13.3% report poor or fair health—significantly better than the 17% national average.

Top performer in North Carolina

At 77.4 years, Buncombe's life expectancy ranks among North Carolina's best, exceeding the state average of 74.4 years by three years. The 13.3% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among the counties surveyed.

A regional healthcare leader

Buncombe's 77.4-year life expectancy is the highest in this comparison group, outpacing Burke (74.2 years) and Caldwell (72.4 years) significantly. With 141 primary care providers per 100,000—nearly triple the state need—Buncombe offers exceptional access.

Abundant providers, strong coverage

Buncombe's 13.1% uninsured rate sits near the state average, though the county more than compensates with 896 mental health providers per 100,000—nearly eight times the national median. This extraordinary provider density ensures residents can access behavioral health support when needed.

Build on success with full coverage

Even in a health-strong county like Buncombe, ensuring you have adequate insurance protects your financial future and maximizes your access to care. Check your coverage gaps and explore options to maintain comprehensive protection.

eHealth Insurance

Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Buncombe County residents.

Compare Plans →

HealthMarkets

Licensed agents for health, Medicare, and supplemental insurance in North Carolina.

Get a Quote →

Sponsored

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Buncombe County, NC?
Buncombe County has a health score of 64/100, rated "Average." It ranks #15 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 Buncombe County?
Life expectancy in Buncombe County is 77.4 years. The North Carolina state average is 74.4 years, making Buncombe County above the state average.
How does Buncombe County health compare to the North Carolina average?
Buncombe County's health score of 64/100 is above the North Carolina average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 77.4 years vs. the state average of 74.4 years. The uninsured rate is 13.1% vs. 12.5% statewide.
What health factors affect Buncombe County?
Key health factors for Buncombe County include: life expectancy (77.4 years), uninsured rate (13.1%), and primary care physician access (141:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 896:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Buncombe County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 64/100 ("Average"), Buncombe County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in North Carolina. Residents have a life expectancy of 77.4 years. 13.1% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Buncombe County healthier than the North Carolina average?
Buncombe County's health score of 64/100 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.

Counties with Similar Health Profile

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.