Norfolk city Health Data

Norfolk city, Virginia

Health Score

46/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.3 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.2%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.3 yr

State avg 75.1 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.2%

State avg 7.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

99

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

328

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Norfolk city, Virginia

Life expectancy significantly below national average

Norfolk residents live an average of 73.3 years, more than 5.6 years shorter than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 19.3% reporting poor or fair health, the city faces one of the most serious health challenges in this profile.

Lowest life expectancy in Virginia profile

Norfolk's 73.3-year life expectancy falls 1.8 years below Virginia's 75.1-year average, and its 19.3% poor/fair health rate is the highest in this group. Despite an 8.2% uninsured rate near the state average of 7.9%, health outcomes remain critically low.

Abundant providers, stubborn health challenges

Norfolk leads this profile with 99 primary care providers and 328 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—exceptional supply by any measure. Yet these abundant providers have not reversed Norfolk's poor life expectancy, suggesting systemic barriers beyond access and coverage.

Provider abundance masks deeper struggles

Norfolk residents enjoy among the best provider access and near-universal coverage (8.2% uninsured), yet health outcomes remain the poorest in this profile. This disconnect points to poverty, food insecurity, housing instability, and untreated substance use as drivers of poor health—issues that providers alone cannot solve.

Coverage is essential, community matters more

If you're uninsured in Norfolk, healthcare.gov and Virginia Medicaid are your first steps toward coverage and access to care. Beyond insurance, seek out community health centers, food banks, and addiction treatment programs—they address the root causes of poor health in our city.

eHealth Insurance

Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Norfolk city residents.

Compare Plans →

HealthMarkets

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

Get a Quote →

Sponsored

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Norfolk city, VA?
Norfolk city has a health score of 46/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #86 out of 133 counties in Virginia (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 Norfolk city?
Life expectancy in Norfolk city is 73.3 years. The Virginia state average is 75.1 years, making Norfolk city below the state average.
How does Norfolk city health compare to the Virginia average?
Norfolk city's health score of 46/100 is below the Virginia average of 56/100. Life expectancy is 73.3 years vs. the state average of 75.1 years. The uninsured rate is 8.2% vs. 7.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Norfolk city?
Key health factors for Norfolk city include: life expectancy (73.3 years), uninsured rate (8.2%), and primary care physician access (99:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 328:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Norfolk city a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 46/100 ("Below Average"), Norfolk city faces health challenges compared to other counties in Virginia. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.3 years. 8.2% 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 Norfolk city?
Norfolk city's health score of 46/100 is below the Virginia average of 56/100. 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.