Columbus County Health Data
Columbus County, North Carolina
Health Score
15/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
69.7 yr
Uninsured Rate
13.7%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
69.7 yr
State avg 74.4 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
13.7%
State avg 12.5%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
40
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
168
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Columbus County, North Carolina
Critically low life expectancy
Columbus County's 69.7-year life expectancy is the lowest in the nation for these eight counties—trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly seven years and North Carolina's 74.4 years by 4.7 years. With 24.1% reporting poor or fair health, Columbus faces the region's most severe health crisis.
Worst health outcomes in state
Columbus ranks at the very bottom of North Carolina counties for life expectancy, a stark disparity that demands urgent action. Its 24.1% poor/fair health rate is the highest among these eight counties, reflecting a population in acute health distress.
Massive gap versus peer counties
Columbus's 69.7-year life expectancy lags Chatham's 79.9 years by a devastating 10.2 years—a gap that reflects decades of accumulated disadvantage. With only 40 primary care providers per 100,000, Columbus has the lowest primary care access among peers.
Highest uninsured and access gaps
Columbus's 13.7% uninsured rate is the highest in the region, and with just 40 primary care providers per 100,000—lowest among peers—residents face a double barrier to care. This combination of coverage and access shortages creates a healthcare desert where preventive care is scarce.
Immediate action can save lives
Columbus residents must prioritize health insurance: visit HealthCare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid and Marketplace options immediately. Every gap in coverage delays care that could extend life—and Columbus cannot afford further delay.
eHealth Insurance
Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Columbus 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 Columbus County, NC?
What is the life expectancy in Columbus County?
How does Columbus County health compare to the North Carolina average?
What health factors affect Columbus County?
Is Columbus County a healthy place to live?
What are the biggest health challenges in Columbus County?
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.