King County Health Data

King County, Washington

Health Score

95/100

Excellent

Life Expectancy

81.1 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.7%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

81.1 yr

State avg 78.1 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.7%

State avg 9.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

119

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

638

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in King County, Washington

King County lives longest in the nation

At 81.1 years, King County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average by roughly 5 years and sits nearly 3 years above Washington's state average of 78.1 years. Only 11.6% of residents report poor or fair health, well below national trends. This longevity reflects strong healthcare access and economic resources concentrated in the county's urban core.

Washington's health leader by a wide margin

King County ranks at the top of Washington's 39 counties for life expectancy and health outcomes. Its 5.7% uninsured rate is among the lowest in the state, compared to Washington's 9.0% average. This advantage stems from high concentrations of employers offering health benefits and advanced medical infrastructure.

Outpaces Pierce and Snohomish on every metric

King County's 81.1-year life expectancy significantly exceeds Kitsap County (79.5 years) and more distant neighbors. With 119 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, King has nearly double the availability of smaller counties like Klickitat (56 per 100K). Mental health provider density of 638 per 100K reflects major medical centers and urban concentration.

Healthcare access defines daily life here

Only 5.7% of King County residents lack health insurance, meaning the vast majority have routine access to preventive care and specialists. The county's 119 primary care providers per 100,000 residents mean most people can find a doctor within their network, and 638 mental health providers per 100K support behavioral health needs. This density of providers translates to shorter wait times and better continuity of care.

Already covered? Stay current and plan ahead

King County's low uninsured rate shows that most residents have found coverage options. If you're among the 5.7% without insurance, or if your coverage is changing, visit Washington's health insurance marketplace or contact a local enrollment specialist to explore plans that fit your needs and budget. Staying covered protects your health and financial security.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of King County, WA?
King County has a health score of 95/100, rated "Excellent." It ranks #1 out of 39 counties in Washington (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 King County?
Life expectancy in King County is 81.1 years. The Washington state average is 78.1 years, making King County above the state average.
How does King County health compare to the Washington average?
King County's health score of 95/100 is above the Washington average of 65/100. Life expectancy is 81.1 years vs. the state average of 78.1 years. The uninsured rate is 5.7% vs. 9.0% statewide.
What health factors affect King County?
Key health factors for King County include: life expectancy (81.1 years), uninsured rate (5.7%), and primary care physician access (119:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 638:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is King County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 95/100 ("Excellent"), King County is one of the healthier counties in Washington. Residents have a life expectancy of 81.1 years. 5.7% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is King County healthier than the Washington average?
King County's health score of 95/100 exceeds the Washington average of 65/100. Higher health scores often correlate with better access to healthcare providers, lower uninsured rates, higher median incomes, and environmental factors.

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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.