Life Expectancy
Louisiana's life expectancy at birth is 74.0 years, among the lowest in the nation, reflecting high rates of chronic disease and limited healthcare access in rural areas.
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 | Louisiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 74 | 78.4 |
Healthcare Access
Healthcare access in Louisiana varies sharply between urban centers like New Orleans and Baton Rouge and underserved rural parishes.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
Hospitals
Louisiana has major academic medical centers in New Orleans (Ochsner, LSU Health) and Shreveport, alongside numerous rural critical-access hospitals.
Hospital jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU22000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU22000006562000001).
Insurance Coverage
Louisiana expanded Medicaid in 2016, significantly reducing its uninsured rate, which now stands around 8%.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Louisiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate (%) | 8 | 7.9 |
Obesity
Louisiana's adult obesity rate is about 38%, among the highest in the U.S., contributing to elevated rates of diabetes and heart disease.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Louisiana | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity rate (%) | 38 | 32.5 |
Public Health Indicators
Louisiana ranks near the bottom of national health rankings, with high rates of chronic disease, low life expectancy and significant healthcare access gaps in rural areas.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.