Monroe County Health Data

Monroe County, Tennessee

Health Score

20/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

70.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.8%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

70.8 yr

State avg 72.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.8%

State avg 11.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

19

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

60

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Monroe County, Tennessee

Monroe County Lags National Health Standards

Monroe County residents live to 70.8 years, 2 years shorter than the U.S. average of 72.8 years, signaling significant health disadvantages. With 24.2% reporting poor or fair health—well above the national 21% average—the county faces elevated rates of chronic disease and disability.

Among Tennessee's Worst Health Performers

Monroe County's 70.8-year life expectancy falls 1.6 years below Tennessee's 72.4-year state average, placing it in the lower half of state counties. The 11.8% uninsured rate nearly matches Tennessee's 11.9% state average, providing little coverage advantage.

Struggles Against Regional Health Leaders

Monroe County's 70.8 years trails Marshall (73.6) and Montgomery (74.0) by 2-3 years, though it exceeds Meigs (69.1) and McNairy (70.3). With just 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in the region—Monroe residents face severe barriers to preventive care and early treatment.

Critical Primary Care Shortage

Monroe County's 19 primary care providers per 100,000 residents represent the region's worst shortage, forcing patients to travel far for routine care. The 11.8% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 8 residents lack coverage, and with sparse primary care, delayed diagnosis and emergency-only healthcare become the norm.

Insurance Is Your Gateway to Care

Monroe County's provider shortage makes health insurance even more essential—coverage enables access to specialists and telehealth options. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health office to find affordable plans that connect you to care beyond Monroe's limited local resources.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Monroe County, TN?
Monroe County has a health score of 20/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #71 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 Monroe County?
Life expectancy in Monroe County is 70.8 years. The Tennessee state average is 72.4 years, making Monroe County below the state average.
How does Monroe County health compare to the Tennessee average?
Monroe County's health score of 20/100 is below the Tennessee average of 29/100. Life expectancy is 70.8 years vs. the state average of 72.4 years. The uninsured rate is 11.8% vs. 11.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Monroe County?
Key health factors for Monroe County include: life expectancy (70.8 years), uninsured rate (11.8%), and primary care physician access (19:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 60:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Monroe County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 20/100 ("Below Average"), Monroe County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Tennessee. Residents have a life expectancy of 70.8 years. 11.8% 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 Monroe County?
Monroe County's health score of 20/100 is below the Tennessee average of 29/100. The uninsured rate of 11.8% 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.

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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.