New Hanover County Health Data

New Hanover County, North Carolina

Health Score

69/100

Average

Life Expectancy

77.6 yr

Uninsured Rate

10.9%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

77.6 yr

State avg 74.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

10.9%

State avg 12.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

92

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

592

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in New Hanover County, North Carolina

New Hanover leads the state on longevity

At 77.6 years, New Hanover County's life expectancy outpaces the national average of 76.4 years and significantly exceeds North Carolina's state average of 74.4 years. Just 13.5% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the national rate of 17.1%. These numbers suggest New Hanover residents are living longer, healthier lives than most of their peers nationwide.

Ranked among North Carolina's healthiest counties

New Hanover ranks in the top tier for life expectancy within North Carolina, beating the state average by 3.2 years. Its uninsured rate of 10.9% sits just below the state average of 12.5%, giving most residents access to healthcare coverage. This combination of strong health outcomes and broad coverage reflects consistent investment in health infrastructure.

Primary care far exceeds regional peers

New Hanover boasts 92 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—nearly triple the regional average and among the highest in the state. Mental health capacity is equally strong at 592 providers per 100,000, offering residents robust access to both preventive and behavioral health services. Nearby counties like Pender (33 primary care providers per 100K) and Onslow (31 per 100K) lag significantly behind.

Strong provider network supports high access

With one of the state's highest concentrations of healthcare professionals, New Hanover residents can typically access both primary and mental health care without long delays or travel burdens. The 10.9% uninsured rate means roughly 89% of residents have coverage, reducing barriers to routine and emergency care. This infrastructure supports the county's standout health outcomes.

Nine out of ten New Hanover residents have coverage

If you're among the 10.9% of New Hanover residents without health insurance, coverage options exist—from employer plans to marketplace options on HealthCare.gov. Visit ncdhhs.gov or call 211 to learn about Medicaid eligibility, tax credits, and local enrollment assistance. Taking this step connects you to the strong healthcare network that makes New Hanover a health leader.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of New Hanover County, NC?
New Hanover County has a health score of 69/100, rated "Average." It ranks #6 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 New Hanover County?
Life expectancy in New Hanover County is 77.6 years. The North Carolina state average is 74.4 years, making New Hanover County above the state average.
How does New Hanover County health compare to the North Carolina average?
New Hanover County's health score of 69/100 is above the North Carolina average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 77.6 years vs. the state average of 74.4 years. The uninsured rate is 10.9% vs. 12.5% statewide.
What health factors affect New Hanover County?
Key health factors for New Hanover County include: life expectancy (77.6 years), uninsured rate (10.9%), and primary care physician access (92:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 592:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is New Hanover County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 69/100 ("Average"), New Hanover County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in North Carolina. Residents have a life expectancy of 77.6 years. 10.9% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is New Hanover County healthier than the North Carolina average?
New Hanover County's health score of 69/100 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.