Edgecombe County Health Data

Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Health Score

23/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

70.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.1%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

70.5 yr

State avg 74.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.1%

State avg 12.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

39

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

74

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Edgecombe County, North Carolina

Edgecombe lags national life expectancy

Residents of Edgecombe County live to an average of 70.5 years, nearly 4 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly one in four residents (23%) report being in poor or fair health, well above national norms. This gap reflects broader challenges in chronic disease management and healthcare access across the county.

Among NC's lowest life expectancy counties

At 70.5 years, Edgecombe's life expectancy ranks among the bottom tier in North Carolina, trailing the state average of 74.4 years by nearly 4 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 23% significantly exceeds the state trend. These metrics place Edgecombe among counties facing the most urgent health challenges in the state.

Neighbors show better health outcomes

Neighboring Pitt and Nash counties report life expectancies of 72-73 years, outpacing Edgecombe's 70.5 years, though all three lag the state average. Edgecombe's 23% poor/fair health rate is notably higher than surrounding counties, which typically fall between 17-19%. This disparity suggests local factors are driving worse health trajectories in the area.

Limited primary care, modest uninsured rate

While Edgecombe's uninsured rate of 11.1% is slightly better than the state average of 12.5%, residents struggle to access primary care: only 39 providers per 100,000 residents serve the county. Mental health services fare better at 74 providers per 100K, though demand likely exceeds supply. These gaps in primary care capacity create barriers to preventive medicine and chronic disease management.

Check your health insurance coverage today

Even though most Edgecombe residents have some coverage, the 11.1% who remain uninsured face significant health risks and financial strain. Healthcare.gov and NC's health insurance marketplace open during enrollment periods and offer assistance based on income. Take time to explore your options and ensure your family has the coverage needed for preventive care and emergencies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Edgecombe County, NC?
Edgecombe County has a health score of 23/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #82 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 Edgecombe County?
Life expectancy in Edgecombe County is 70.5 years. The North Carolina state average is 74.4 years, making Edgecombe County below the state average.
How does Edgecombe County health compare to the North Carolina average?
Edgecombe County's health score of 23/100 is below the North Carolina average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 70.5 years vs. the state average of 74.4 years. The uninsured rate is 11.1% vs. 12.5% statewide.
What health factors affect Edgecombe County?
Key health factors for Edgecombe County include: life expectancy (70.5 years), uninsured rate (11.1%), and primary care physician access (39:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 74:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Edgecombe County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 23/100 ("Below Average"), Edgecombe County faces health challenges compared to other counties in North Carolina. Residents have a life expectancy of 70.5 years. 11.1% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
What are the biggest health challenges in Edgecombe County?
Edgecombe County's health score of 23/100 is below the North Carolina average of 41/100. The uninsured rate of 11.1% means a significant portion of residents may face barriers to healthcare. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

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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.