Life Expectancy in Wyoming
Wyoming residents have a life expectancy of 76.4 years, below the national average, reflecting rural healthcare access challenges and high injury/suicide mortality.
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 | Wyoming | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life expectancy (years) | 76.4 | 77.5 |
- •Wyoming has the highest suicide rate in the U.S. at roughly 30 per 100,000 residents.
- •The state has no in-state medical school, relying on the WWAMI regional program.
- •Rural counties face significant physician shortages.
Healthcare Access in Wyoming
Wyoming's vast rural geography and low population density of 2.3 people per km² create significant healthcare access barriers, with many counties designated as health professional shortage areas.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Wyoming | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Population density (per km²) | 2.3 | 36.2 |
- •Many Wyoming counties are federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas.
- •Telehealth has become critical for reaching Wyoming's dispersed population.
- •Critical-access hospitals serve as lifelines in remote communities.
Hospitals in Wyoming
Wyoming has approximately 27 hospitals, many designated as critical-access facilities serving small, remote communities across the state.
Hospital jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU56000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU56000006562000001).
| Indicator | Wyoming | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Hospitals per 100k residents | 4.6 | 1.8 |
- •Most Wyoming hospitals qualify as critical-access hospitals under federal rules.
- •Wyoming has no Level I trauma centers, requiring air transport for severe cases.
- •Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is among the state's largest facilities.
Health Insurance Coverage in Wyoming
About 11.5% of Wyoming residents lack health insurance, one of the higher uninsured rates in the country due to the state not expanding Medicaid.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Wyoming | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate (%) | 11.5 | 7.9 |
- •Wyoming is one of the states that has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA.
- •Rural areas have limited insurance marketplace competition.
- •Small employer coverage rates lag the national average.
Obesity Rate in Wyoming
Wyoming's adult obesity rate stands at 32.0%, close to the national average, amid broader public health challenges tied to rural lifestyles.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Wyoming | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Obesity rate (%) | 32 | 33.9 |
- •Wyoming's obesity rate is slightly below the national average.
- •Limited access to fresh groceries in rural areas contributes to diet-related health issues.
- •Outdoor recreation culture helps offset some risk factors.
Public Health Indicators in Wyoming
Wyoming faces the highest suicide rate in the United States at roughly 30 per 100,000 residents, a defining public health challenge for the state.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Wyoming | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Suicide rate (per 100k) | 30 | 14.2 |
- •Wyoming has ranked among the top states for suicide rate for decades.
- •Firearm access, rural isolation, and limited mental health services are cited as contributing factors.
- •The state has expanded 988 crisis line outreach in recent years.