Life Expectancy
Vermont residents have a life expectancy of about 78.8 years, placing the state among the top ten in the nation despite an aging population.
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 | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy (years) | 78.8 | 77.5 |
- •Vermont ranks among the top 10 states for life expectancy
- •The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily lowered life expectancy statewide
- •Opioid-related deaths have offset some gains in overall life expectancy
Healthcare Access
Vermont offers strong overall healthcare access thanks to high insurance coverage, though rural areas face persistent shortages of primary care physicians and specialists.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians per 10,000 residents | 35 | 30 |
- •UVM Medical Center in Burlington is Vermont's largest hospital and referral center
- •Rural physician shortages are a persistent policy challenge in Vermont
- •Telehealth expansion has helped offset some rural access gaps since 2020
Hospitals
Vermont has 14 hospitals statewide, led by the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, the state's largest referral hospital.
Hospital jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU50000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU50000006562000001).
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals per 100,000 residents | 2.2 | 1.8 |
- •UVM Medical Center is Vermont's only Level I trauma center
- •Vermont's hospital count has remained stable for over a decade
- •Several rural hospitals in Vermont operate as critical access facilities
Health Insurance Coverage
Vermont has one of the highest health insurance coverage rates in the country, with about 97% of residents insured thanks to robust state-level programs.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Insured Rate (%) | 97 | 92 |
- •Vermont was an early pioneer of state-level health insurance exchanges under the ACA
- •The state's uninsured rate is less than a third of the national average
- •Vermont Health Connect is the state's official health insurance marketplace
Obesity Rate
Vermont's adult obesity rate stands at about 27.6%, among the lowest in the nation, reflecting active outdoor lifestyles and strong public health outreach.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Obesity Rate (%) | 27.6 | 33.9 |
- •Vermont has ranked among the least obese states for over a decade
- •Outdoor recreation like skiing and hiking is a major part of Vermont culture
- •The obesity rate has crept upward slightly in recent years, mirroring national trends
Public Health Indicators
Vermont posts strong overall public health indicators, including high insurance coverage and low obesity, but faces a significant opioid mortality crisis at roughly 30 deaths per 100,000.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Opioid Death Rate (per 100,000) | 30 | 21 |
- •Vermont's opioid death rate is nearly double the national average
- •The state has some of the best air quality in the country
- •Vermont invests heavily in harm-reduction and treatment programs to combat opioid deaths