Forsyth County Health Data

Forsyth County, North Carolina

Health Score

54/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

75.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.5%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

75.8 yr

State avg 74.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.5%

State avg 12.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

114

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

390

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Forsyth County, North Carolina

Forsyth's health outcomes exceed national averages

Residents in Forsyth County enjoy a life expectancy of 75.8 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 76.1 years and placing the county among North Carolina's healthiest. Only 16.5% report poor or fair health, well below national averages. These metrics reflect robust healthcare infrastructure and strong community health management.

Top-tier health performance in North Carolina

Forsyth County's 75.8-year life expectancy ranks among the best in North Carolina, exceeding the state average of 74.4 years. The county's poor/fair health rate of 16.5% is notably lower than most peers across the state. Forsyth consistently demonstrates strong health outcomes across multiple measures.

Forsyth leads Piedmont region in health metrics

Forsyth's 75.8-year life expectancy outpaces nearby Guilford (74.1 years) and Randolph (73.5 years) counties, making it the health leader of the Piedmont region. Its 16.5% poor/fair health rate is the lowest among neighboring counties, which typically range from 17-20%. This performance difference reflects Forsyth's superior healthcare access and provider capacity.

Excellent provider access throughout the county

Forsyth boasts 114 primary care providers per 100K residents—nearly triple the national average—and 390 mental health providers per 100K, among the highest in the state. The uninsured rate of 11.5% is marginally above the state average of 12.5%, meaning most residents can access care. This robust infrastructure directly supports the county's strong health outcomes.

Ensure continuous coverage during open enrollment

With 11.5% of Forsyth residents uninsured, there's still room to expand coverage and strengthen community health. During annual open enrollment periods, healthcare.gov and the NC Health Insurance Marketplace offer plans to fit various budgets and health needs. Even with strong health outcomes, maintaining consistent coverage ensures preventive care and financial protection.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Forsyth County, NC?
Forsyth County has a health score of 54/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #24 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 Forsyth County?
Life expectancy in Forsyth County is 75.8 years. The North Carolina state average is 74.4 years, making Forsyth County above the state average.
How does Forsyth County health compare to the North Carolina average?
Forsyth County's health score of 54/100 is above the North Carolina average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 75.8 years vs. the state average of 74.4 years. The uninsured rate is 11.5% vs. 12.5% statewide.
What health factors affect Forsyth County?
Key health factors for Forsyth County include: life expectancy (75.8 years), uninsured rate (11.5%), and primary care physician access (114:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 390:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Forsyth County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 54/100 ("Below Average"), Forsyth County faces health challenges compared to other counties in North Carolina. Residents have a life expectancy of 75.8 years. 11.5% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Forsyth County healthier than the North Carolina average?
Forsyth County's health score of 54/100 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.