Hempstead County Health Data
Hempstead County, Arkansas
Health Score
27/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
73.3 yr
Uninsured Rate
10.7%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
73.3 yr
State avg 72.3 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
10.7%
State avg 9.9%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
25
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
114
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Hempstead County, Arkansas
Life expectancy below national standard
Hempstead County residents live to an average of 73.3 years, roughly 3.1 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. About 25.6% report poor or fair health—tied for the highest in the eight-county study—indicating significant unmet health needs. These metrics reflect Hempstead's status as a county facing substantial health and economic headwinds.
Life expectancy matches state average closely
Hempstead's 73.3-year life expectancy sits just 1 year above Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, placing it slightly above the middle of state county rankings. However, the uninsured rate of 10.7% exceeds the state average of 9.9%, suggesting insurance access challenges. This combination signals that Hempstead struggles more with healthcare coverage gaps than many Arkansas counties.
Life expectancy strong but healthcare stretched
Hempstead's 73.3-year life expectancy matches Grant and Independence counties, but its primary care provider density of just 25 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the region. The 10.7% uninsured rate is the highest among the eight counties, indicating fewer residents have insurance pathways to care. Mental health providers at 114 per 100,000 offer basic coverage but lag behind better-resourced neighbors.
High uninsured rate strains already thin networks
Hempstead's 10.7% uninsured rate means more than 1 in 10 residents lack coverage, compounding the strain on 25 primary care providers per 100,000—a severe shortage. The 25.6% poor/fair health rating, tied for highest in the study, reflects this access crisis and likely unmanaged chronic disease. Mental health services at 114 per 100,000 are present but may be overwhelmed by untreated behavioral health and substance use issues.
Coverage is urgent in Hempstead County
If you're among Hempstead's 10.7% uninsured residents, getting covered is critical—visit Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace or call 211 immediately. With only 25 primary care providers per 100,000, insurance ensures you can access the limited care available without delay. Coverage also opens mental health resources that address Hempstead's behavioral health crisis.
eHealth Insurance
Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Hempstead County residents.
Compare Plans →HealthMarkets
Licensed agents for health, Medicare, and supplemental insurance in Arkansas.
Get a Quote →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the health ranking of Hempstead County, AR?
What is the life expectancy in Hempstead County?
How does Hempstead County health compare to the Arkansas average?
What health factors affect Hempstead County?
Is Hempstead County a healthy place to live?
What are the biggest health challenges in Hempstead County?
Counties with Similar Health Profile
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.