Where Boston residents get care
CDC publishes only some of its health estimates for Boston, not the seven a Health Grade needs; here is what we do have.
Modeled estimates for adults 18+, CDC’s own estimate for Boston. How CDC estimates town health
What stands out about health in Boston
Making ends meet is harder in Boston
1 in 4 adults worry about having enough food (26.1%), about twice the Virginia rate. Utility shut-off threats (15% vs 7.1%) and housing insecurity (21.5% vs 10.9%) are higher too. 25.2% of adults receive SNAP, vs 10.7% statewide. Everyday needs ↓
Dental care lags in Boston
54.7% of adults saw a dentist this year, vs 67.9% across Virginia. Among those 65 and older, 20.2% have lost all their teeth (Virginia 11.1%). Checkups ↓
Stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure run high in Boston
1 in 20 adults have had a stroke (5%), vs 3.3% across Virginia. 1 in 5 adults have diabetes (18.9%), vs 12.5% across Virginia. High blood pressure is also above the state: 48.2%, vs 35.4% across Virginia. In all, Boston runs above Virginia on seven of 11 chronic conditions. Conditions ↓
Written from the CDC, Medicare and HRSA data on this page. CDC PLACES 2025 release: modeled estimates for adults, not counts; “higher” and “lower” mean the Virginia figure falls outside Boston’s likely range.
Making ends meet
Needs that shape health as much as any doctor visit: food, housing, utilities and a way to get around.
25.2% of Boston adults receive SNAP (food stamps), compared with 10.7% across Virginia.
Keeping up with care
Share of Boston adults getting routine care. The full ring is 100%; the dark tick marks Virginia.
Out of every 100 Boston adults…
Boston runs below VA on 1 of 12 conditions and above it on 8. Tap one to see it as people.
Care in and near Boston
No hospital or community health center in Boston itself. These are the nearest.
Hospitals: Medicare overall star ratings, 1–5. Community health centers charge on a sliding scale by income. Distances are straight-line from the center of Boston; ≈ marks a hospital located by its town, not its street. Shortage areas: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas (a “population” designation covers specific residents, such as those with low incomes).
Everyday habits, side by side with Virginia
Share of adults, with the Virginia figure marked.
Walk with neighbors
The easiest exercise habit to keep is one with company.
How Boston adults are doing
On 1 of 4 measures, Boston runs above Virginia.
2 in 5 Boston adults feel lonely. A hello is a start.
Groups are the easiest way in: a walking group, a book club, your street.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential and open 24/7.
Boston and the towns around it
How health changes across the town line.
Health next door
| Town | Health | Obesity | Diabetes | Smoking | Figures from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pungoteague | — | — | — | — |
Pungoteague: fewer than 1,000 residents. Same-state neighbors only, ordered by length of shared border.
Living with a disability
Shown without a better/worse judgment.
of Boston adults live with a disability (Virginia 30%). Walking or climbing stairs is the most common.
Questions about health in Boston
Why doesn’t Boston have a Health Grade?
Every Health Grade is built from seven of CDC’s PLACES estimates, and CDC doesn’t publish all seven for Boston.
What hospital is closest to Boston?
Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onancock, 9.4 miles in a straight line from Boston’s center point, is the nearest general hospital with an emergency room. Medicare rates it 3 of 5 stars.
Where can I get low-cost care near Boston?
3 community health center sites are within 10 miles; the nearest is Onley Community Health Center in Onancock, 8.7 miles away. They charge on a sliding scale by income.
Neighbors talk health
Doctors taking patients, urgent care, staying active in Boston.
Health estimates: CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, 2025 release. The Virginia figure combines its counties, weighted by adult population. Hospitals and star ratings: Medicare Care Compare (CMS). Health centers and shortage areas: HRSA. Ages: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. Town boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau. This page isn’t medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.