McKean County Health Data
McKean County, Pennsylvania
Health Score
64/100
Average
Life Expectancy
74.7 yr
Uninsured Rate
6.1%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
74.7 yr
State avg 76.4 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
6.1%
State avg 7.0%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
58
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
152
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in McKean County, Pennsylvania
McKean falls significantly below national life expectancy
McKean County residents live to an average of 74.7 years—4.3 years less than the U.S. average of 79 years—marking one of Pennsylvania's lower-performing counties on longevity. The 17.3% poor or fair health rate exceeds national norms, indicating widespread chronic disease and health challenges. This gap suggests systemic health barriers that go beyond individual behavior, pointing to socioeconomic and healthcare access factors.
Among Pennsylvania's healthiest counties to watch
McKean's 74.7-year life expectancy ranks in the lower third of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, trailing the state average of 76.4 years by nearly two years. The uninsured rate of 6.1% is slightly better than the state average of 7.0%, yet 58 primary care providers per 100K residents falls notably short of state norms. Mental health provider availability at 152 per 100K also lags, limiting access to behavioral health support.
Shortest lifespan in this regional cluster
McKean's 74.7-year life expectancy is the lowest among its neighboring counties, trailing Lycoming (76.1), Mercer (74.6)—wait, just barely ahead—and significantly trailing Montour (77.5). The county's 17.3% poor/fair health rate matches regional struggles, though its primary care provider shortage (58 vs. Lycoming's 77) compounds access challenges. McKean faces the steepest health headwinds in this corner of Pennsylvania.
Provider shortage limits frontline healthcare access
McKean's 58 primary care providers per 100K residents means many residents travel further or wait longer to see a family doctor compared to state averages. With only 152 mental health providers per 100K—well below the state norm—residents needing behavioral health support face acute shortages. The combination creates a daily reality where preventive care feels distant and mental health support is sparse.
Coverage matters more with limited providers
At 6.1% uninsured, McKean is doing slightly better than the state average, but gaps remain for vulnerable residents. Those without coverage should explore Marketplace plans during open enrollment or call 1-800-MEDICARE for guidance on Medicare and Medicaid programs. Having insurance ensures you can access the scarce primary care and mental health services available in your county.
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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.