Russell County Health Data

Russell County, Virginia

Health Score

38/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.1 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.2%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.1 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

35

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

110

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Russell County, Virginia

Life expectancy trailing national rates

At 73.1 years, Russell County residents live nearly three years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years, with 22.7% reporting poor or fair health. The county faces significant health disparities typical of Appalachian communities.

Low-ranking Virginia health profile

Russell County's 73.1-year life expectancy ranks in Virginia's lower tier, falling nearly two years behind the state average of 75.1 years. Its 22.7% poor/fair health rate exceeds most Virginia counties, signaling concentrated health challenges.

Rural health struggle

Russell County significantly underperforms neighboring Roanoke County (77.5 vs. 73.1 years) and other regional peers, reflecting typical Appalachian rural health barriers. The county's isolation and economic pressures contribute to elevated chronic disease burden.

Provider scarcity constrains care

With just 35 primary care providers and 110 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Russell County faces severe healthcare access barriers. Additionally, 8.2% lack insurance, leaving many unable to afford care when providers are located far away.

Insurance opens care pathways

Russell County's rural isolation and provider scarcity make health insurance coverage critical for accessing care, whether locally or in nearby regional centers. Apply for Medicaid or marketplace coverage at vacciness.gov to remove financial barriers to the healthcare you need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Russell County, VA?
Russell County has a health score of 38/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #108 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 Russell County?
Life expectancy in Russell County is 73.1 years. The Virginia state average is 75.1 years, making Russell County below the state average.
How does Russell County health compare to the Virginia average?
Russell County's health score of 38/100 is below the Virginia average of 56/100. Life expectancy is 73.1 years vs. the state average of 75.1 years. The uninsured rate is 8.2% vs. 7.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Russell County?
Key health factors for Russell County include: life expectancy (73.1 years), uninsured rate (8.2%), and primary care physician access (35:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 110:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Russell County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 38/100 ("Below Average"), Russell County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Virginia. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.1 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 Russell County?
Russell County's health score of 38/100 is below the Virginia average of 56/100. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

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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.