Life Expectancy
Delaware residents have an average life expectancy of 77.4 years, slightly below the national average, reflecting disparities in chronic disease and health access. The state continues public health efforts to close this gap, especially in urban Wilmington and rural Sussex County.
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 | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 77.4 | 78.4 |
- •Delaware's life expectancy has slightly declined since the pandemic, mirroring national trends.
Healthcare Access
Delaware offers solid healthcare access with multiple hospital systems concentrated around Wilmington and Newark. Rural Kent and Sussex counties face longer travel times to specialty care.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians per 100k | 300 | 280 |
- •ChristianaCare, based in Newark, is one of the largest health systems in the mid-Atlantic.
Hospitals
Delaware has about 7 acute-care hospitals statewide, led by ChristianaCare, Bayhealth, and Beebe Healthcare. Despite its small size, the state supports a full range of specialty services.
Hospital jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU10000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU10000006562000001).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | 7 | 11 |
- •Christiana Hospital in Newark is the largest hospital in the state and a Level I trauma center.
Insurance Coverage
Delaware has a relatively low uninsured rate of 6.6%, supported by Medicaid expansion and ACA marketplace enrollment. Coverage is broader in New Castle County than in southern rural areas.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate (%) | 6.6 | 8 |
- •Delaware expanded Medicaid under the ACA in 2014, sharply reducing its uninsured population.
Obesity
Delaware's adult obesity rate stands near 34%, slightly above the national average, driven by dietary and socioeconomic factors. State health programs target nutrition and physical activity in schools.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity rate (%) | 34 | 32 |
- •Delaware's Healthy Lifestyles program targets childhood obesity prevention in public schools.
Public Health Indicators
Delaware tracks public health via life expectancy, chronic disease prevalence, and insurance coverage, showing mixed results compared to national benchmarks. The state invests heavily in opioid response and maternal health programs.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Delaware | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 77.4 | 78.4 |
- •Delaware has one of the highest opioid overdose death rates in the Northeast, prompting expanded treatment funding.