Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in West Virginia is about 74.4 years, among 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 | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy (years) | 74.4 | 76.4 |
- •West Virginia has ranked at or near the bottom of U.S. states for life expectancy for over a decade.
Healthcare Access
West Virginia has moderate healthcare access, with about 85 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents and a 6.0% uninsured rate.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured Rate (%) | 6 | 8 |
- •West Virginia's Medicaid expansion has kept its uninsured rate below the national average despite rural provider shortages.
Hospitals
West Virginia has about 62 hospitals and one of the highest bed ratios in the country, serving an older, sicker population.
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU54000006562000001).
Insurance Coverage
About 6.0% of West Virginians lacked health insurance in 2023, below the national uninsured rate of 8.0%.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured Rate (%) | 6 | 8 |
- •Medicaid expansion covers a larger share of West Virginia's population than in most other states.
Obesity
West Virginia has the highest adult obesity rate in the nation, at about 41.0%.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Obesity Rate (%) | 41 | 32.7 |
- •West Virginia has ranked among the top two or three most obese states for over 15 consecutive years.
Public Health Indicators
West Virginia faces some of the nation's most challenging public health indicators, including a 23% adult smoking rate.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | West Virginia | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Smoking Rate (%) | 23 | 11.6 |
- •West Virginia has the highest rate of adult smoking of any U.S. state.