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If you’re following the debate on healthcare reform, you’ve probably heard the estimate that 46 million Americans lack health insurance, a figure based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2007 data. Some health insurance experts believe the current number is millions higher due to the recession and high job losses, while others say it’s lower because it undercounts how many people receive Medicaid.

Data disputes aside, according to the most recent Census Bureau numbers, the chances a person does not have health insurance are 1 in 6.55. However, many factors can significantly raise or lower the likelihood that someone won’t have coverage.

Age is one major issue—young people are far more likely than older people to lack health insurance. The odds a person aged 18 - 24 does not have health insurance are 1 in 3.55, and they’re 1 in 3.89 for those 25 - 34. From there, the odds drop significantly by age group: 1 in 5.46 for people 35 - 44; 1 in 6.49 for people 45 - 54; 1 in 8.3 for people 55 - 64; and 1 in 53.63 for people 65 or older.

Ethnicity is also a key factor, with Hispanics (1 in 3.12) being more likely to lack coverage than non-Hispanic white persons (1 in 9.58).

Employment status also influences whether a person has health insurance. The odds a person 18-64 who is not working does not have health insurance are 1 in 3.94, compared to 1 in 4.28 for part-time workers and 1 in 5.88 for full-timers.

Gender is a minor factor, with men more likely than women to lack health insurance. The odds a male does not have health insurance are 1 in 5.98, compared to 1 in 7.21 for a female.

Where you live can play a role as well. For example, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured people (1 in 3.98), and Massachusetts, which has a law requiring people to get health insurance or face financial penalties, has the lowest (1 in 18.65).

Money is the main reason Americans cite for lacking health insurance: The odds an uninsured person 18 - 64 does not have insurance primarily due to cost are 1 in 1.92 (52%). Other factors include being ineligible due to a waiting period or part-time work (1 in 9.09); believing it unnecessary (1 in 14.29); being ineligible due to poor health, illness, or age (1 in 20); and not knowing how to get it (1 in 33.33).