Forest County Health Data
Forest County, Pennsylvania
Health Score
32/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
70.9 yr
Uninsured Rate
7.7%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
70.9 yr
State avg 76.4 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
7.7%
State avg 7.0%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
N/A
per 100K population
Mental Health Providers
47
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Forest County, Pennsylvania
Forest County faces the nation's health crisis
At 70.9 years, Forest County residents live nearly 5.2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, marking one of the country's most troubled health profiles. Nearly 1 in 4 adults (23.8%) report poor or fair health—far above the 17.9% national average—indicating widespread chronic disease and limited access to preventive care.
Forest County ranks lowest in Pennsylvania
Forest County's 70.9-year life expectancy is the lowest in Pennsylvania, trailing the state average of 76.4 years by 5.5 years. This severe gap reflects decades of economic decline, limited healthcare infrastructure, and persistent poverty that demand urgent state and federal attention.
Forest faces bleakest health in the region
Forest County's 70.9-year life expectancy is 1.6 years lower than Fayette County (72.5), its closest struggling peer, and more than 6 years below Franklin County (77.2). The county reports limited primary care provider data and just 47 mental health providers per 100K, suggesting severe healthcare infrastructure gaps that isolate residents from essential services.
Uninsured and underserved in rural isolation
Forest's 7.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 7.0%, and with primary care provider data unavailable, the county likely faces acute shortages in routine medical access. This combination—higher uninsurance plus minimal reported provider capacity—creates a perfect storm where residents lack both coverage and nearby doctors.
Securing coverage is your first critical step
In a county with severe healthcare shortages, having insurance is essential to accessing available services. Call 1-800-318-2596 or visit healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid (which may have expanded options) and Marketplace plans; some community health centers also offer sliding-scale care regardless of insurance status.
eHealth Insurance
Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Forest County residents.
Compare Plans →HealthMarkets
Licensed agents for health, Medicare, and supplemental insurance in Pennsylvania.
Get a Quote →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the health ranking of Forest County, PA?
What is the life expectancy in Forest County?
How does Forest County health compare to the Pennsylvania average?
What health factors affect Forest County?
Is Forest County a healthy place to live?
What are the biggest health challenges in Forest County?
Counties with Similar Health Profile
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.