Wise County Health Data

Wise County, Virginia

Health Score

33/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

70.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.3%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

70.8 yr

State avg 75.1 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.3%

State avg 7.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

22

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

151

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Wise County, Virginia

Wise County faces severe health challenges

Wise County's 70.8-year life expectancy ranks among the nation's lowest, trailing the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 5.6 years. More than 22% of residents report poor or fair health—the highest rate among these five Virginia communities—reflecting widespread chronic disease.

Virginia's worst health outcomes in Wise

Wise County's 70.8-year life expectancy falls 4.3 years below Virginia's 75.1-year average, making it one of the state's most challenged communities. The 22.2% poor/fair health rate is dramatically higher than the state norm, indicating acute population health disparities.

Wise County significantly trails regional peers

Wise County's 70.8-year life expectancy lags every neighboring county: Williamsburg (78.7), York (80.9), and Wythe (72.6), revealing the depth of local health challenges. The county's 22.2% poor/fair health rate exceeds all regional comparisons, suggesting concentrated disease burden.

Limited providers compound access barriers

Wise County's 8.3% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Virginia's average, but the deeper challenge is provider scarcity: just 22 primary care providers per 100K residents, half the state-level adequacy. Mental health support is also limited at 151 providers per 100K, constraining behavioral health access.

Wise County residents deserve coverage support

Eight percent of Wise County residents lack health insurance, and providers are limited—making coverage essential. Check healthcare.gov for subsidized plans or contact the Virginia Department of Social Services for Medicaid eligibility in your area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Wise County, VA?
Wise County has a health score of 33/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #117 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 Wise County?
Life expectancy in Wise County is 70.8 years. The Virginia state average is 75.1 years, making Wise County below the state average.
How does Wise County health compare to the Virginia average?
Wise County's health score of 33/100 is below the Virginia average of 56/100. Life expectancy is 70.8 years vs. the state average of 75.1 years. The uninsured rate is 8.3% vs. 7.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Wise County?
Key health factors for Wise County include: life expectancy (70.8 years), uninsured rate (8.3%), and primary care physician access (22:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 151:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Wise County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 33/100 ("Below Average"), Wise County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Virginia. Residents have a life expectancy of 70.8 years. 8.3% 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 Wise County?
Wise County's health score of 33/100 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.