Bedford County Health Data

Bedford County, Tennessee

Health Score

26/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

12.9%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.8 yr

State avg 72.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

12.9%

State avg 11.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

29

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

74

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Bedford County, Tennessee

Bedford slightly outpaces national health

Bedford County's 72.8-year life expectancy edges past the U.S. average of 71.4 years, though its 22.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 21%. This suggests residents live a bit longer than average Americans but report more daily health struggles.

Bedford ranks middle-of-pack statewide

At 72.8 years, Bedford's life expectancy ranks slightly above Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, placing it in the healthier portion of Tennessee's 95 counties. However, its 12.9% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 11.9%, meaning more residents here lack health coverage than typical Tennesseans.

Bedford faces provider challenges

With 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Bedford lags behind neighbor Anderson County (50) but outpaces Cannon County (21) in physician access. The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate matches Cannon's exactly, suggesting both face similar underlying health challenges.

Fewer doctors, fewer insured residents

Bedford has just 29 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well below the county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate, indicating limited preventive care availability. With 12.9% of residents uninsured, many lack even basic access to the healthcare system.

Explore coverage in Bedford County

One in every 8 Bedford County residents currently lacks health insurance, affecting their ability to see a doctor when needed. Visit TNCover.org or call 1-800-318-2596 to learn about Medicaid expansion, Marketplace plans, and local health resources.

eHealth Insurance

Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Bedford County residents.

Compare Plans →

HealthMarkets

Licensed agents for health, Medicare, and supplemental insurance in Tennessee.

Get a Quote →

Sponsored

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Bedford County, TN?
Bedford County has a health score of 26/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #42 out of 95 counties in Tennessee (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 Bedford County?
Life expectancy in Bedford County is 72.8 years. The Tennessee state average is 72.4 years, making Bedford County above the state average.
How does Bedford County health compare to the Tennessee average?
Bedford County's health score of 26/100 is below the Tennessee average of 29/100. Life expectancy is 72.8 years vs. the state average of 72.4 years. The uninsured rate is 12.9% vs. 11.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Bedford County?
Key health factors for Bedford County include: life expectancy (72.8 years), uninsured rate (12.9%), and primary care physician access (29:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 74:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Bedford County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 26/100 ("Below Average"), Bedford County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Tennessee. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.8 years. 12.9% 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 Bedford County?
Bedford County's health score of 26/100 is below the Tennessee average of 29/100. The uninsured rate of 12.9% means a significant portion of residents may face barriers to healthcare. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

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.