Life Expectancy
Kentucky's life expectancy at birth is 74.6 years, among the lowest in the nation, weighed down by high rates of chronic disease and the opioid epidemic.
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 | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 74.6 | 78.4 |
Healthcare Access
Healthcare access in Kentucky is strong in Louisville and Lexington, both major medical hubs, but limited in eastern Appalachian counties.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
Hospitals
Kentucky's major hospital systems are concentrated in Louisville (Norton, UofL Health) and Lexington (UK HealthCare), a nationally ranked academic medical center.
Hospital jobs
2001–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU21000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU21000006562000001).
Insurance Coverage
Kentucky expanded Medicaid in 2014, giving it one of the lowest uninsured rates in the South, around 6%.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate (%) | 6 | 7.9 |
- •Kentucky's early Medicaid expansion (2014) led to one of the fastest declines in uninsured rate nationally.
Obesity
Kentucky's adult obesity rate is about 39%, among the highest in the U.S.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Kentucky | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity rate (%) | 39 | 32.5 |
Public Health Indicators
Kentucky ranks near the bottom of national health rankings, driven by high smoking rates, opioid overdoses and cardiovascular disease, especially in Appalachian counties.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.