Wake County Health Data
Wake County, North Carolina
Health Score
83/100
Excellent
Life Expectancy
81.0 yr
Uninsured Rate
8.6%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
81.0 yr
State avg 74.4 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
8.6%
State avg 12.5%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
86
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
430
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Wake County, North Carolina
Wake County sets the national pace
Wake County residents live to 81.0 years, 7.6 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.4 and 6.6 years above North Carolina's 74.4-year benchmark. Only 12.6% report poor or fair health, the second-lowest rate among the eight counties, indicating exceptional population health outcomes. Wake is a national health outlier, driven by strong economic conditions, healthcare investment, and educated demographics.
North Carolina's health champion
Wake's 81.0-year life expectancy is the highest among all eight profiled counties and represents a 6.6-year advantage over North Carolina's state average. Its 12.6% poor/fair health rate trails only Union County, reflecting world-class healthcare systems and preventive health culture. Wake County is the state's standard-bearer for longevity and health.
Strongest healthcare workforce statewide
Wake's 86 primary care providers and 430 mental health providers per 100,000 residents far exceed comparable counties—vance has 38 and 298, Warren has 5 and 117. This abundance of providers reflects Wake's urban/suburban density and healthcare industry concentration centered in Raleigh. Access to specialists, preventive care, and behavioral health support is unmatched in the state.
Best insurance and access combination
Wake's 8.6% uninsured rate is the lowest among the eight counties and well below North Carolina's 12.5% average. With 86 primary care providers and 430 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, residents have immediate access to comprehensive care networks. Strong insurance coverage, abundant providers, and economic opportunity create a virtuous cycle of health.
Protect your health advantage
Even in Wake County, 8.6% remain uninsured—roughly 35,000 residents without coverage. If you're among them, healthcare.gov and NC Medicaid offer pathways to affordable plans. Staying covered ensures you can sustain Wake's health advantage through preventive care and early treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.