Sussex County Health Data

Sussex County, Virginia

Health Score

37/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.2 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.9%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.2 yr

State avg 75.1 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.9%

State avg 7.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

28

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

19

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Sussex County, Virginia

Sussex faces significant health challenges

At 72.2 years, Sussex County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 74.5 years by more than two years, a substantial gap. With 22.4% of residents reporting poor or fair health—among the highest rates in Virginia—the county faces serious population health pressures.

Virginia's lowest life expectancy ranks

Sussex's 72.2-year life expectancy ranks near the bottom among Virginia counties, about 3 years below the state average of 75.1 years. The county's uninsured rate of 7.9% matches the state average, meaning insurance access isn't the primary issue—health outcomes themselves need intervention.

Sussex underperforms rural peers

Sussex trails Surry County (75.6 years) by 3.4 years and even lags Westmoreland County (75.3 years) by 3.1 years despite similar rural character. Sussex does maintain more primary care providers (28 per 100K) than Surry, but mental health support is limited at just 19 per 100K.

Healthcare access exists, but health lags

Sussex offers 28 primary care providers per 100K, above some rural peers, yet residents report the poorest health outcomes in the region at 22.4% poor/fair health. Limited mental health providers (19 per 100K) may contribute to the gap, suggesting county health challenges extend beyond simple access to include behavioral health support.

Insurance is your first step

With 7.9% of Sussex residents uninsured, closing this gap could improve health outcomes across the community. Check your eligibility for Virginia Medicaid or marketplace coverage—having insurance is the foundation for better health.

eHealth Insurance

Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Sussex County 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 Sussex County, VA?
Sussex County has a health score of 37/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #111 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 Sussex County?
Life expectancy in Sussex County is 72.2 years. The Virginia state average is 75.1 years, making Sussex County below the state average.
How does Sussex County health compare to the Virginia average?
Sussex County's health score of 37/100 is below the Virginia average of 56/100. Life expectancy is 72.2 years vs. the state average of 75.1 years. The uninsured rate is 7.9% vs. 7.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Sussex County?
Key health factors for Sussex County include: life expectancy (72.2 years), uninsured rate (7.9%), and primary care physician access (28:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 19:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Sussex County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 37/100 ("Below Average"), Sussex County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Virginia. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.2 years. 7.9% 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 Sussex County?
Sussex County's health score of 37/100 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.