Life Expectancy
North Dakota's average life expectancy is 78.0 years, slightly below the national average of 78.4 years.
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 | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 78 | 78.4 |
- •Life expectancy in North Dakota is close to the national average despite its rural, harsh-winter geography.
- •Tribal nations often report shorter life expectancy than the state average.
Healthcare Access
Rural North Dakota faces long travel distances to hospitals and specialists, though telehealth adoption has expanded access.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Population density (per sq mi) | 11.3 | 94 |
- •Sanford Health and Essentia Health operate major regional hospital networks across the state.
- •Telehealth has become critical for reaching residents in remote western counties.
Hospitals
North Dakota has a network of critical access hospitals serving its dispersed rural population, anchored by larger facilities in Fargo and Bismarck.
Hospital jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU38000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU38000006562000001).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals per 100k residents | 5.5 | 1.8 |
- •Sanford Medical Center Fargo is the state's largest hospital and a regional referral center for the Upper Midwest.
Insurance Coverage
About 7.0% of North Dakotans lack health insurance, below the national uninsured rate of 8.0%.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate (%) | 7 | 8 |
- •North Dakota's oil and agriculture industries provide many workers with employer-sponsored insurance.
Obesity
North Dakota's adult obesity rate is 35.5%, above the national average of 33.0%.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | North Dakota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult obesity rate (%) | 35.5 | 33 |
- •Long, cold winters in North Dakota reduce opportunities for outdoor physical activity for much of the year.
Public Health Indicators
North Dakota's public health profile reflects low unemployment, strong economic conditions, and rising costs for healthcare services statewide.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
- •The Legacy Fund, North Dakota's oil-revenue sovereign wealth fund, exceeds $11 billion and helps support state services including health programs.