Jefferson County Health Data

Jefferson County, Oregon

Health Score

46/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.6 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.1%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.6 yr

State avg 77.0 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.1%

State avg 8.1%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

64

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

322

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Jefferson County, Oregon

Jefferson faces Oregon's greatest health gap

Jefferson County's life expectancy of 73.6 years trails the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 2.8 years—the lowest in the examined sample—and 19.7% report poor or fair health, above the national rate of 16.1%. This rural county faces the most severe population health challenges in the region.

Worst health outcomes in Oregon

Jefferson County's 73.6-year life expectancy falls 3.4 years below Oregon's state average of 77.0 years, ranking it the unhealthiest county in the examined eastern Oregon sample. The 8.1% uninsured rate matches the state average, yet health outcomes remain dire, indicating systemic barriers beyond insurance coverage.

Severe disparity in eastern Oregon

Jefferson's 73.6-year life expectancy lags Deschutes County (80.9 years) by 7.3 years and Grant County (79.7 years) by 6.1 years, representing a devastating health gap within the region. With just 64 primary care providers per 100K and 322 mental health providers per 100K, Jefferson has the fewest psychiatric resources of any examined county.

Acute provider and mental health shortage

Jefferson County has only 64 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—among the lowest in the region—and a severe mental health shortage with 322 providers per 100K, the sparsest in Oregon's examined counties. These combined shortfalls create barriers to both routine care and behavioral health treatment that likely contribute to Jefferson's grim longevity statistics.

Start with coverage to access care

Jefferson County's alarming health outcomes demand action: 8.1% of residents remain uninsured despite state average coverage rates. Visit Jefferson County Health Services or call healthcare.org to enroll in Oregon Health Plan—coverage is the first step toward accessing the primary and mental health care this county urgently needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Jefferson County, OR?
Jefferson County has a health score of 46/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #31 out of 36 counties in Oregon (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 Jefferson County?
Life expectancy in Jefferson County is 73.6 years. The Oregon state average is 77.0 years, making Jefferson County below the state average.
How does Jefferson County health compare to the Oregon average?
Jefferson County's health score of 46/100 is below the Oregon average of 61/100. Life expectancy is 73.6 years vs. the state average of 77.0 years. The uninsured rate is 8.1% vs. 8.1% statewide.
What health factors affect Jefferson County?
Key health factors for Jefferson County include: life expectancy (73.6 years), uninsured rate (8.1%), and primary care physician access (64:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 322:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Jefferson County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 46/100 ("Below Average"), Jefferson County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Oregon. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.6 years. 8.1% 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 Jefferson County?
Jefferson County's health score of 46/100 is below the Oregon average of 61/100. 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.