Washington County Health Data
Washington County, North Carolina
Health Score
20/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
71.2 yr
Uninsured Rate
12.2%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
71.2 yr
State avg 74.4 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
12.2%
State avg 12.5%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
46
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
103
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Washington County, North Carolina
Washington County falls behind nationwide
Washington County residents live 71.2 years, 2.2 years below the U.S. average of 73.4 and 3.2 years below North Carolina's 74.4 years. One in four residents (24.4%) report poor or fair health, the second-highest rate among the eight counties profiled. Washington faces significant health headwinds with both early mortality and chronic disease burden.
NC's third-worst health outcomes
Washington's 71.2-year life expectancy ranks third from the bottom in North Carolina, trailing the state average by 3.2 years. Its 24.4% poor/fair health rate reflects widespread chronic disease, limited preventive care, and underlying health disparities. Washington ranks among North Carolina's most health-challenged counties.
Limited workforce in rural northeast
Washington's 46 primary care providers and 103 mental health providers per 100,000 residents exceed only Warren's skeletal infrastructure but fall short of healthier counties like Union (69 primary care, 147 mental health) and Watauga (79 primary care, 524 mental health). Rural location and workforce shortages limit care options. Geographic isolation compounds the county's health challenges.
Nearly universal insurance, sparse care
Washington's 12.2% uninsured rate is actually slightly better than North Carolina's 12.5% average, one of the profile's better insurance outcomes. Yet with only 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, insurance alone cannot bridge the access gap—residents lack nearby doctors to visit even with coverage. Insurance and provider access must move together.
Secure coverage and advocate for care
With 12.2% uninsured, most Washington residents have coverage, but if you're in the gap, check healthcare.gov for Medicaid and Marketplace options. Beyond coverage, your county needs investment in primary care infrastructure—contact local health officials to advocate for provider recruitment. Coverage is necessary but not sufficient without doctors nearby.
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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.