Wood County Health Data

Wood County, West Virginia

Health Score

39/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.4 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.8%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.4 yr

State avg 72.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.8%

State avg 7.6%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

86

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

204

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Wood County, West Virginia

Wood County leads regional health

At 73.4 years, Wood County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average by 3 years but ranks among the best in West Virginia and its region. Just 23.2% report poor or fair health—the second-lowest rate in this county group—indicating better chronic disease management and functional capacity. With 93,000 residents and urban-area infrastructure, Wood provides a model of what stronger health outcomes look like in Appalachia.

West Virginia's health leader

Wood County's 73.4 years exceeds the state average of 72.2 by 1.2 years, making it one of West Virginia's top-performing counties. Its 23.2% poor/fair health rate is among the state's best, reflecting better access to care, higher incomes, and lower unemployment. As the state's most populous county, Wood demonstrates that with adequate healthcare infrastructure and economic vitality, West Virginia residents can achieve better health outcomes.

Regional health standard-bearer

Wood's 73.4 years ranks near the top of this peer group, trailing only Upshur (74.7), and its 23.2% poor/fair health rate is second-best after Wetzel. With 86 primary care providers per 100,000—among the highest access in this group—and 204 mental health providers per 100,000, Wood has infrastructure that neighboring rural counties lack. This disparity reflects urban advantage: population density supports specialist recruitment and practice viability.

Strong access, remaining gaps

Wood's 7.8% uninsured rate is slightly above state average, meaning about 7,200 residents lack coverage despite the county's relative prosperity. With 86 primary care physicians and 204 mental health providers per 100,000, Wood has the strongest provider network in this group, enabling timely preventive and behavioral health care. Daily reality: most Wood County residents can reach care, though pockets of poverty and underinsurance remain.

Close coverage gaps in Wood

Nearly 7,200 Wood County residents are uninsured; visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find affordable coverage. Wood's strong healthcare infrastructure means once insured, you'll have access to primary care, specialists, and mental health services within reasonable distance. Getting covered also qualifies you for preventive screenings and medications that keep chronic diseases manageable and life expectancy rising.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Wood County, WV?
Wood County has a health score of 39/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #21 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 Wood County?
Life expectancy in Wood County is 73.4 years. The West Virginia state average is 72.2 years, making Wood County above the state average.
How does Wood County health compare to the West Virginia average?
Wood County's health score of 39/100 is above the West Virginia average of 37/100. Life expectancy is 73.4 years vs. the state average of 72.2 years. The uninsured rate is 7.8% vs. 7.6% statewide.
What health factors affect Wood County?
Key health factors for Wood County include: life expectancy (73.4 years), uninsured rate (7.8%), and primary care physician access (86:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 204:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Wood County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 39/100 ("Below Average"), Wood County faces health challenges compared to other counties in West Virginia. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.4 years. 7.8% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Wood County healthier than the West Virginia average?
Wood County's health score of 39/100 exceeds the West Virginia average of 37/100. 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.