Carter County Health Data
Carter County, Tennessee
Health Score
23/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
72.7 yr
Uninsured Rate
13.4%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
72.7 yr
State avg 72.4 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
13.4%
State avg 11.9%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
30
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
68
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Carter County, Tennessee
Carter exceeds national life expectancy
At 72.7 years, Carter County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years but fall short by about 3.7 years overall. The county's 23.6% poor or fair health rate is better than the national average of 17%, but still indicates significant health challenges. While Carter shows relative strength in longevity, room for improvement remains.
Just above Tennessee's average
Carter's 72.7-year life expectancy edges out Tennessee's state average of 72.4 years by 0.3 years, placing it in the middle of the state's health rankings. However, its 13.4% uninsured rate significantly exceeds the state average of 11.9%, meaning nearly 1 in 8 residents lack coverage. Insurance gaps likely undermine otherwise-stable health outcomes.
Middle of the pack locally
Carter's 72.7-year life expectancy matches Chester County's but trails better-performing neighbors like Cheatham (72.3 years—note: Cheatham's lower rate reflects different data). The county's 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents tie it with Chester as the lowest among peers. Stronger mental health support at 68 per 100K provides a relative advantage in behavioral health access.
Insurance coverage lags, access is thin
With 13.4% of residents uninsured—above the state average—Carter faces coverage headwinds that discourage preventive care. The county has just 30 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, the lowest among nearby counties, creating potential bottlenecks for routine checkups. Mental health providers at 68 per 100K offer better-than-average behavioral health access, but primary care shortages remain a concern.
Close the gap: Get insured now
Carter's higher-than-average uninsured rate makes it especially important for residents to check healthcare.gov or contact TennCare for enrollment. Even basic coverage unlocks preventive services, doctor visits, and medications that keep chronic conditions manageable. Don't let insurance gaps prevent you from getting the care you deserve.
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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.