Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in Arkansas is about 74.5 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 | Arkansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 74.5 | 78.4 |
Healthcare Access
Arkansas has about 80 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 | Arkansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care physicians per 100k | 80 | 90 |
Hospitals
Arkansas has about 104 hospitals, with UAMS in Little Rock the only academic medical centre.
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU05000006562000001).
Insurance Coverage
About 8.0% of Arkansans lacked health insurance in 2023.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Arkansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate | 8 | 7.9 |
Obesity
About 39.5% of Arkansas adults are obese, among the highest rates in the U.S.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Arkansas | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult obesity rate | 39.5 | 32.6 |
Public Health Indicators
Arkansas's adult smoking rate is about 20%, one of the highest in the nation.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.