Preston County Health Data
Preston County, West Virginia
Health Score
36/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
74.0 yr
Uninsured Rate
8.4%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
74.0 yr
State avg 72.2 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
8.4%
State avg 7.6%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
38
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
38
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Preston County, West Virginia
Preston County slightly above national average
At 74.0 years, Preston County's life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 72.5 years by about 18 months. However, 25.1% of residents report poor or fair health, exceeding the national rate of 19%, indicating longer lives don't eliminate the burden of chronic disease.
Above-average longevity, above-average struggle
Preston County's 74.0-year life expectancy ranks above West Virginia's state average of 72.2 years, but its 25.1% poor/fair health rate is notably high. The county exemplifies West Virginia's broader pattern: residents live longer but struggle with chronic conditions throughout their extended lives.
Sparse primary care, very limited mental health
With just 38 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Preston County has below-average primary care access. Mental health capacity is even more constrained at 38 per 100,000—the lowest in the region—severely limiting support for residents facing behavioral health crises.
Above-average uninsured, below-average care access
Preston County's uninsured rate of 8.4% exceeds West Virginia's 7.6% average, affecting roughly 1 in 12 residents. Combined with sparse primary and mental health provider density, uninsured residents face compounded barriers to preventive care and chronic disease management.
Get covered despite provider shortages
Preston County's healthcare desert makes insurance coverage even more critical—it ensures you're prepared for travel to distant care when needed and covers telehealth options. Start at healthcare.gov to find plans that fit your situation, even with limited local provider networks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.