Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in Alabama is about 73.2 years, among the lowest in the U.S.
Age-adjusted death rate, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017), all causes, age-adjusted.
Total deaths, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017).
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 73.2 | 78.4 |
Healthcare Access
Alabama has about 85 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents, below the national average.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care physicians per 100k | 85 | 90 |
Hospitals
Alabama has about 101 hospitals, led by UAB Hospital in Birmingham, one of the largest in the South.
Hospital jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU01000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU01000006562000001).
Insurance Coverage
About 9.5% of Alabamians lacked health insurance in 2023.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate | 9.5 | 7.9 |
Obesity
About 39% of Alabama adults are obese, one of the highest rates nationally.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Alabama | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult obesity rate | 39 | 32.6 |
Public Health Indicators
Alabama's adult smoking rate is about 18%, well above the national average.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.