Nicholas County Health Data

Nicholas County, West Virginia

Health Score

34/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

71.7 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.9%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

71.7 yr

State avg 72.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.9%

State avg 7.6%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

86

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

141

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Nicholas County, West Virginia

Nicholas County trails national averages

At 71.7 years, Nicholas County's life expectancy falls about 10 months below the U.S. average of 72.5 years. With 22.9% of residents reporting poor or fair health compared to the national rate of 19%, the county faces steeper health challenges than the nation as a whole.

Below-average health in West Virginia

Nicholas County's 71.7-year life expectancy ranks below West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, placing it among the state's less healthy counties. The 22.9% poor/fair health rate further signals above-average health struggles for residents.

Strong provider access despite health challenges

Nicholas County's life expectancy lags regional neighbors, but its healthcare infrastructure is solid: 86 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 141 mental health providers per 100,000 exceed state averages. Access alone doesn't explain health outcomes, suggesting other factors like income and lifestyle play a role.

Uninsured rate slightly above state

Nicholas County's uninsured rate of 7.9% is slightly higher than West Virginia's 7.6% average, affecting roughly 1 in 12-13 residents. Despite having above-average primary and mental health provider density, residents still face barriers to regular preventive care.

Coverage helps manage chronic conditions

With high rates of poor/fair health in Nicholas County, insurance coverage enables access to preventive care and medication management. Start at healthcare.gov or contact your local health department for low-cost options and enrollment help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Nicholas County, WV?
Nicholas County has a health score of 34/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #31 out of 55 counties in West 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 Nicholas County?
Life expectancy in Nicholas County is 71.7 years. The West Virginia state average is 72.2 years, making Nicholas County below the state average.
How does Nicholas County health compare to the West Virginia average?
Nicholas County's health score of 34/100 is below the West Virginia average of 37/100. Life expectancy is 71.7 years vs. the state average of 72.2 years. The uninsured rate is 7.9% vs. 7.6% statewide.
What health factors affect Nicholas County?
Key health factors for Nicholas County include: life expectancy (71.7 years), uninsured rate (7.9%), and primary care physician access (86:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 141:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Nicholas County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 34/100 ("Below Average"), Nicholas County faces health challenges compared to other counties in West Virginia. Residents have a life expectancy of 71.7 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 Nicholas County?
Nicholas County's health score of 34/100 is below the West Virginia average of 37/100. 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.