Mercer County Health Data
Mercer County, Pennsylvania
Health Score
59/100
Average
Life Expectancy
74.6 yr
Uninsured Rate
7.0%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
74.6 yr
State avg 76.4 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
7.0%
State avg 7.0%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
62
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
220
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Mercer County, Pennsylvania
Mercer residents face longevity gap vs. nation
Mercer County's 74.6-year life expectancy falls 4.4 years short of the U.S. average of 79 years, placing it among the nation's lower-performing counties. The 17.9% poor or fair health rate—the highest among counties examined here—signals a population struggling with chronic conditions and health management. This gap reflects both individual health behaviors and structural barriers to preventive and specialty care.
Pennsylvania's lower health tier by longevity
Mercer's 74.6-year life expectancy ranks in the bottom tier of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, trailing the state average of 76.4 years by 1.8 years. The uninsured rate of 7.0% matches the state average exactly, indicating typical coverage patterns in Pennsylvania. Primary care provider availability at 62 per 100K residents falls below state norms, creating access gaps for routine care.
Worst health outcomes in regional peer group
Mercer's 74.6-year life expectancy is among the lowest in its regional cluster, edged only by McKean (74.7) and far below Montour (77.5) and Lycoming (76.1). The county's 17.9% poor/fair health rate is the highest regionally, suggesting concentrated health challenges. Mental health provider density at 220 per 100K is respectable, but primary care shortages undermine overall system capacity.
Primary care shortage defines daily healthcare reality
With just 62 primary care providers per 100K residents, Mercer residents often delay routine check-ups and preventive screenings due to limited availability and long wait times. The 17.9% poor/fair health rate suggests many residents are already managing chronic conditions without regular doctor oversight. This gap between need and supply perpetuates the cycle of late-stage diagnoses and hospital emergencies.
Get insured—your health depends on it
With 7.0% of residents uninsured and provider shortages already straining the system, coverage becomes essential for navigating Mercer's constrained healthcare landscape. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Marketplace to explore plans that fit your budget and health needs. Insurance opens doors to the preventive and specialty care that could add years to your life.
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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.