Life Expectancy
Colorado's life expectancy is 79.0 years, near the national average, reflecting a young, active population balanced against elevated suicide rates.
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 | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 79 | 78.4 |
Healthcare Access
Colorado has strong healthcare access in Denver and the Front Range but shortages of providers in rural mountain and plains counties.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians per 100k | 100 | 90 |
Hospitals
Colorado has roughly 100 hospitals, with major medical centers in Denver including UCHealth and Children's Hospital Colorado.
Hospital jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU08000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU08000006562000001).
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals per million residents | 17 | 18 |
Insurance Coverage
About 92.7% of Coloradans have health insurance coverage, close to the national average, aided by Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Insured rate (%) | 92.7 | 92 |
Obesity
Colorado has the lowest adult obesity rate in the nation at about 24.5%, attributed to its outdoor and active lifestyle culture.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity rate (%) | 24.5 | 33.9 |
- •Colorado has ranked as the leanest U.S. state by obesity rate for decades running.
Public Health Indicators
Colorado generally ranks among the healthiest states, though it faces elevated rates of suicide and high-altitude-related health considerations.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Colorado | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 79 | 78.4 |