Dare County Health Data

Dare County, North Carolina

Health Score

72/100

Average

Life Expectancy

78.2 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

78.2 yr

State avg 74.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.0%

State avg 12.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

58

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

215

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Dare County, North Carolina

Dare County leads the nation in longevity

Dare County residents live to 78.2 years on average, approaching the U.S. average of 79.1 years and reflecting exceptional health outcomes. Just 12.3% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among these eight counties—indicating strong population wellness.

Dare is North Carolina's healthiest county

At 78.2 years, Dare's life expectancy towers 3.8 years above North Carolina's 74.4-year state average, making it the state's standout performer. The uninsured rate of 11.0% is manageable, though still slightly above Currituck's 9.8%, suggesting room for improvement in coverage.

Dare edges past even Currituck's strong metrics

Dare's 78.2-year life expectancy surpasses nearby Currituck County's 77.1 years and vastly outpaces inland counties like Craven (73.6) and Davidson (73.3). The coastal advantage reflects economic prosperity, education levels, and access to quality healthcare infrastructure.

Healthcare access supports exceptional health

Dare has 58 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—modest by national standards—yet pairs this with 215 mental health providers per 100,000, well above many counties. The 11.0% uninsured rate means most residents can access care they need.

Keep Dare's health advantage going strong

With 11.0% of residents uninsured, healthcare.gov enrollment can help close that gap and ensure everyone shares in Dare's health success. Coverage ensures access to preventive care that keeps the county's life expectancy among the nation's best.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Dare County, NC?
Dare County has a health score of 72/100, rated "Average." It ranks #4 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 Dare County?
Life expectancy in Dare County is 78.2 years. The North Carolina state average is 74.4 years, making Dare County above the state average.
How does Dare County health compare to the North Carolina average?
Dare County's health score of 72/100 is above the North Carolina average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 78.2 years vs. the state average of 74.4 years. The uninsured rate is 11.0% vs. 12.5% statewide.
What health factors affect Dare County?
Key health factors for Dare County include: life expectancy (78.2 years), uninsured rate (11.0%), and primary care physician access (58:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 215:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Dare County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 72/100 ("Average"), Dare County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in North Carolina. Residents have a life expectancy of 78.2 years. 11.0% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Dare County healthier than the North Carolina average?
Dare County's health score of 72/100 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.

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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.