Life Expectancy
Rhode Island's average life expectancy at birth is about 78.9 years, close to the national average, supported by strong healthcare access.
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 | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 78.9 | 78.4 |
- •Rhode Island has one of the highest physician-per-capita ratios in the country at 356 per 100,000 residents.
- •Only 4.0% of Rhode Islanders lack health insurance, among the lowest uninsured rates nationally.
Healthcare Access
Rhode Island residents benefit from strong healthcare access, with 11 hospitals and 356 physicians per 100,000 people serving the state.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians per 100k | 356 | 280 |
- •Rhode Island is small enough that no resident lives more than about 45 minutes from a major hospital.
Hospitals
Rhode Island is home to 11 hospitals that serve its population of nearly 1.1 million, including major academic medical centers in Providence.
Hospital jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU44000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU44000006562000001).
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals | 11 | 11 |
- •Rhode Island Hospital in Providence is the largest hospital and level 1 trauma center in the state.
Insurance Coverage
Rhode Island has an uninsured rate of just 4.0%, one of the lowest in the United States, reflecting strong state health policy efforts.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate (%) | 4 | 8 |
- •Rhode Island runs its own state-based health insurance exchange, HealthSource RI.
Obesity
Rhode Island's adult obesity rate is 30.6%, close to the national average, alongside a smoking rate of 12.5%.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity rate (%) | 30.6 | 32 |
- •Rhode Island's smoking rate of 12.5% is below the national average of about 14%.
Public Health Indicators
Rhode Island shows strong public health indicators overall, including 78.9-year life expectancy and a 4.0% uninsured rate.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Rhode Island | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 78.9 | 78.4 |
- •Rhode Island was one of the first states to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.