Rutherford County Health Data

Rutherford County, North Carolina

Health Score

29/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

71.9 yr

Uninsured Rate

12.3%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

71.9 yr

State avg 74.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

12.3%

State avg 12.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

45

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

195

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Rutherford County, North Carolina

Rutherford lags behind national life expectancy

Residents here live to 71.9 years on average, about 5.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 77.4 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, compared to roughly one in seven nationwide.

Below North Carolina's health curve

At 71.9 years, Rutherford's life expectancy trails the state average of 74.4 years by 2.5 years. The county's uninsured rate of 12.3% matches the state average, meaning insurance access isn't the primary barrier to health outcomes here.

Middling health outcomes in the region

Rutherford outperforms nearby Scotland County (69.5 years) but falls short of Stanly County (74.1 years) and Transylvania County (79.1 years). The county's primary care availability at 45 providers per 100,000 residents is middle-of-the-pack for surrounding areas.

Healthcare access present but limited

Primary care providers number 45 per 100,000 residents—adequate but below the most accessible counties nearby. Mental health support is stronger at 195 providers per 100,000, offering residents meaningful behavioral health resources.

Secure your health insurance today

With 12.3% of residents uninsured, coverage gaps remain despite matching the state rate. Check your eligibility for Medicaid, marketplace plans, or employer coverage—ensuring continuous care access is the first step toward better health outcomes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Rutherford County, NC?
Rutherford County has a health score of 29/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #75 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 Rutherford County?
Life expectancy in Rutherford County is 71.9 years. The North Carolina state average is 74.4 years, making Rutherford County below the state average.
How does Rutherford County health compare to the North Carolina average?
Rutherford County's health score of 29/100 is below the North Carolina average of 41/100. Life expectancy is 71.9 years vs. the state average of 74.4 years. The uninsured rate is 12.3% vs. 12.5% statewide.
What health factors affect Rutherford County?
Key health factors for Rutherford County include: life expectancy (71.9 years), uninsured rate (12.3%), and primary care physician access (45:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 195:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Rutherford County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 29/100 ("Below Average"), Rutherford County faces health challenges compared to other counties in North Carolina. Residents have a life expectancy of 71.9 years. 12.3% 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 Rutherford County?
Rutherford County's health score of 29/100 is below the North Carolina average of 41/100. The uninsured rate of 12.3% 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.