Rutherford County Health Data

Rutherford County, Tennessee

Health Score

49/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

76.0 yr

Uninsured Rate

10.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

76.0 yr

State avg 72.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

10.0%

State avg 11.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

44

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

136

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Rutherford County, Tennessee

Rutherford far exceeds U.S. life expectancy

Rutherford County's 76.0-year life expectancy significantly outpaces the U.S. average of 71.4 years—a remarkable 4.6-year gap indicating exceptional health outcomes. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.8%) report poor or fair health, among the lowest rates in Tennessee. Rutherford's profile suggests strong healthcare systems, healthy behaviors, and economic stability supporting longevity.

Rutherford is Tennessee's health leader

At 76.0 years, Rutherford County's life expectancy towers 3.6 years above Tennessee's 72.4-year average—the highest among the eight counties profiled. The county's 10% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 11.9%, meaning more residents have stable coverage and preventive care access. Rutherford has built a health system that competitors aspire to match.

Rutherford vastly outperforms peers

Rutherford's 76.0-year life expectancy exceeds every comparison county, including Sequatchie (75.2), Roane (72.6), and Scott (71.4)—demonstrating dramatic regional health advantage. With 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 136 mental health providers, Rutherford's provider density is among the highest regionally. This abundance of resources directly correlates with the county's superior health outcomes.

Abundant providers enable preventive care

Rutherford's 44 primary care providers and 136 mental health providers per 100,000 residents (more than twice the state average for behavioral health) create robust access to routine and specialty care. With only 10% uninsured, Rutherford's residents enjoy insurance stability that supports continuous preventive relationships with providers. This ecosystem of providers and coverage directly supports the county's best-in-state health outcomes.

Rutherford residents: protect your advantage

If you're part of Rutherford's 10% uninsured population, don't miss the coverage advantage your county's robust health system provides—check Healthcare.gov or contact local enrollment services. Even with strong county health infrastructure, uninsured residents face preventable barriers to care and financial hardship from medical bills. Enrollment takes minutes and unlocks full access to Rutherford's exceptional provider network.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Rutherford County, TN?
Rutherford County has a health score of 49/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #9 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 Rutherford County?
Life expectancy in Rutherford County is 76.0 years. The Tennessee state average is 72.4 years, making Rutherford County above the state average.
How does Rutherford County health compare to the Tennessee average?
Rutherford County's health score of 49/100 is above the Tennessee average of 29/100. Life expectancy is 76.0 years vs. the state average of 72.4 years. The uninsured rate is 10.0% vs. 11.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Rutherford County?
Key health factors for Rutherford County include: life expectancy (76.0 years), uninsured rate (10.0%), and primary care physician access (44:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 136:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Rutherford County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 49/100 ("Below Average"), Rutherford County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Tennessee. Residents have a life expectancy of 76.0 years. 10.0% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Rutherford County healthier than the Tennessee average?
Rutherford County's health score of 49/100 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. Rutherford County has better primary care access (44:1 ratio) than the state average (44:1).

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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.