Philadelphia County Health Data

Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Health Score

39/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.9 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.7%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.9 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

71

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

372

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania

Life expectancy significantly below U.S. average

Philadelphia County residents live to just 73.9 years on average, 3.1 years less than the U.S. average of 77 years—one of the largest gaps among major counties. Over one in four adults (24.4%) report poor or fair health, substantially higher than national norms.

Lowest life expectancy in Pennsylvania

At 73.9 years, Philadelphia has the lowest life expectancy across Pennsylvania, nearly 2.5 years below the state average of 76.4 years. The 24.4% poor/fair health rate far exceeds state trends, indicating a population facing serious health challenges.

Significant health disadvantage vs. suburbs

Philadelphia's 73.9-year life expectancy trails neighboring Delaware County (76+ years) and Bucks County by years, reflecting stark urban-suburban health disparities. The gap suggests differences in poverty, healthcare access, and chronic disease burden across the region.

Most providers but highest uninsured rate

Philadelphia offers 71 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 372 mental health providers per 100,000—the densest provider network among these counties—yet 7.7% remain uninsured. High provider density masks access barriers tied to cost, transportation, and appointment availability for vulnerable populations.

Philadelphia, health coverage is essential

With the poorest health outcomes in Pennsylvania, getting covered matters urgently for Philadelphia residents. Visit healthcare.gov or call Philly's Office of Health Insurance to enroll in Medicaid, ACA plans, or emergency programs—coverage can be the difference in managing chronic disease and extending life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Philadelphia County, PA?
Philadelphia County has a health score of 39/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #66 out of 67 counties in Pennsylvania (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 Philadelphia County?
Life expectancy in Philadelphia County is 73.9 years. The Pennsylvania state average is 76.4 years, making Philadelphia County below the state average.
How does Philadelphia County health compare to the Pennsylvania average?
Philadelphia County's health score of 39/100 is below the Pennsylvania average of 65/100. Life expectancy is 73.9 years vs. the state average of 76.4 years. The uninsured rate is 7.7% vs. 7.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Philadelphia County?
Key health factors for Philadelphia County include: life expectancy (73.9 years), uninsured rate (7.7%), and primary care physician access (71:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 372:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Philadelphia County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 39/100 ("Below Average"), Philadelphia County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Pennsylvania. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.9 years. 7.7% 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 Philadelphia County?
Philadelphia County's health score of 39/100 is below the Pennsylvania average of 65/100. 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.