Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in Mississippi is about 71.9 years, the lowest of any U.S. state.
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 | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 71.9 | 77.5 |
- •Mississippi has recorded the lowest life expectancy of any U.S. state for over a decade.
Healthcare Access
Mississippi has about 65 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents, among the lowest ratios in the U.S.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Primary care physicians per 100k | 65 | 91 |
- •Nearly every rural county in Mississippi is designated a federal health professional shortage area.
Hospitals
Mississippi has about 101 hospitals and a high bed ratio, but many rural facilities face financial distress.
Hospital jobs
1998–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU28000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU28000006562000001).
Insurance Coverage
About 11.6% of Mississippians lacked health insurance in 2023, above the national rate.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate | 11.6 | 7.9 |
- •Mississippi is one of ten states that has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.
Obesity
About 40.1% of Mississippi adults are classified as obese, the highest rate in the nation.
Adults with obesity
2011–2024CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult obesity rate | 40.1 | 32 |
- •Mississippi has ranked among the states with the highest adult obesity rate for most of the past 20 years.
Public Health Indicators
About 19.5% of Mississippi adults smoke, well above the national average.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2024CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Mississippi | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult smoking rate | 19.5 | 11.6 |
- •Mississippi has some of the nation's highest rates of diabetes and heart disease alongside high smoking rates.