Garland County Health Data

Garland County, Arkansas

Health Score

36/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.1 yr

Uninsured Rate

10.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.1 yr

State avg 72.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

10.0%

State avg 9.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

83

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

300

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Garland County, Arkansas

Life expectancy trails U.S. average by 4 years

Garland County residents live to an average of 72.1 years, roughly 4 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. However, only 19.9% report poor or fair health—the lowest rate among the eight counties studied—suggesting better perceived wellness despite the shorter lifespan. This paradox hints at undiagnosed or underappreciated health conditions in the county.

Below state average but strong healthcare access

Garland's 72.1-year life expectancy falls slightly below Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, placing it near the middle of the state's county rankings. The county's 10.0% uninsured rate matches Arkansas's state average exactly, indicating similar insurance access patterns. Garland's strength lies in its robust healthcare infrastructure—83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, nearly double the state's typical supply.

Healthcare hub for a rural region

Garland leads its neighboring counties with 83 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and an exceptional 300 mental health providers per 100,000—by far the highest in the region. Despite the lower life expectancy, this provider density reflects Garland's role as a healthcare destination for Hot Spring and other nearby counties. The contrast between abundant providers and modest life expectancy suggests residents may be traveling for care or facing barriers beyond access.

Best-in-region access masks underlying health concerns

Garland's 10.0% uninsured rate and 83 primary care providers per 100,000 represent some of the strongest healthcare infrastructure in the eight-county area, yet only 19.9% report poor health—the best figure here. This combination suggests that those with insurance and proximity to providers experience better health outcomes, but gaps may exist for the uninsured and underinsured. Mental health resources at 300 per 100,000 are exceptional, addressing the opioid and behavioral health crisis head-on.

Leverage world-class providers with coverage

With one of Arkansas's highest concentrations of healthcare providers, Garland County is best served when residents have insurance. If you're among the 10% uninsured, access ARHealth or call 211 to enroll—you'll unlock faster appointments with Garland's excellent primary care and mental health specialists. Coverage means preventive care that could add years to your life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Garland County, AR?
Garland County has a health score of 36/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #14 out of 75 counties in Arkansas (1 = healthiest). The score is based on CDC County Health Rankings data, combining life expectancy, uninsured rates, provider access, and behavioral health indicators.
What is the life expectancy in Garland County?
Life expectancy in Garland County is 72.1 years. The Arkansas state average is 72.3 years, making Garland County below the state average.
How does Garland County health compare to the Arkansas average?
Garland County's health score of 36/100 is above the Arkansas average of 29/100. Life expectancy is 72.1 years vs. the state average of 72.3 years. The uninsured rate is 10.0% vs. 9.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Garland County?
Key health factors for Garland County include: life expectancy (72.1 years), uninsured rate (10.0%), and primary care physician access (83:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 300:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Garland County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 36/100 ("Below Average"), Garland County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Arkansas. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.1 years. 10.0% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Garland County healthier than the Arkansas average?
Garland County's health score of 36/100 exceeds the Arkansas average of 29/100. Higher health scores often correlate with better access to healthcare providers, lower uninsured rates, higher median incomes, and environmental factors.

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Data Sources

Health data sourced from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Data is informational only. Not medical or health advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.