Jefferson County Health Data

Jefferson County, Tennessee

Health Score

36/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.9 yr

Uninsured Rate

12.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.9 yr

State avg 72.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

12.0%

State avg 11.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

45

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

64

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Jefferson County, Tennessee

Jefferson County exceeds national health benchmarks

Jefferson County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 72.9 years, just 1.6 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. Only 19.1% report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 17.8%—the second-best outcome among county peers. Jefferson stands out as a regional health leader.

Jefferson ranks 15th in Tennessee health outcomes

At 72.9 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy exceeds Tennessee's 72.4-year state average by 0.5 years, ranking it above-average statewide. The county's 19.1% poor/fair health rate matches the state average closely, positioning Jefferson in the upper tier of county health rankings. Jefferson residents enjoy better health outcomes than most state peers.

Clear health advantage over neighboring counties

Jefferson County's 72.9-year life expectancy leads the region, surpassing all neighbors including Houston (70.9 years), Humphreys (71.5 years), and Jackson (71.9 years). Its 12.0% uninsured rate is the lowest in the region, and primary care access of 45 per 100K exceeds most peers. Jefferson's 64 mental health providers per 100K also compares favorably regionally.

Strong provider access supports community health

At 12.0%, Jefferson County's uninsured rate is the region's lowest, meaning most residents can access needed care. With 45 primary care providers per 100K—well above the regional average—residents enjoy shorter wait times and better preventive care access. Mental health support at 64 providers per 100K further strengthens the healthcare infrastructure.

Ensure your family's coverage is current

Even in healthy Jefferson County, the uninsured face gaps in care. If you're among the 12% without coverage, visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to confirm your eligibility and explore affordable Marketplace plans. Staying covered protects your family's health and finances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Jefferson County, TN?
Jefferson County has a health score of 36/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #20 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 Jefferson County?
Life expectancy in Jefferson County is 72.9 years. The Tennessee state average is 72.4 years, making Jefferson County above the state average.
How does Jefferson County health compare to the Tennessee average?
Jefferson County's health score of 36/100 is above the Tennessee average of 29/100. Life expectancy is 72.9 years vs. the state average of 72.4 years. The uninsured rate is 12.0% vs. 11.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Jefferson County?
Key health factors for Jefferson County include: life expectancy (72.9 years), uninsured rate (12.0%), and primary care physician access (45:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 64:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Jefferson County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 36/100 ("Below Average"), Jefferson County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Tennessee. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.9 years. 12.0% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Jefferson County healthier than the Tennessee average?
Jefferson County's health score of 36/100 exceeds the Tennessee average of 29/100. Higher health scores often correlate with better access to healthcare providers, lower uninsured rates, higher median incomes, and environmental factors.

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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.