Hot Spring County Health Data

Hot Spring County, Arkansas

Health Score

32/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.2 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.4%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.2 yr

State avg 72.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.4%

State avg 9.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

24

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

247

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Hot Spring County, Arkansas

Life expectancy trails national average by 4 years

Hot Spring County residents live to an average of 72.2 years, approximately 4.2 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years. About 24.0% report poor or fair health, placing the county among the lower performers in health perception. These figures point to significant chronic disease burden and limited preventive care in the county.

Slightly below state average with moderate coverage

Hot Spring's 72.2-year life expectancy falls just below Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, positioning it near the lower middle of state county rankings. The 8.4% uninsured rate is notably better than the state average of 9.9%, indicating moderate insurance uptake. While coverage is better than the state norm, life expectancy suggests health outcomes still need improvement.

Low primary care, strong mental health presence

Hot Spring's 72.2-year life expectancy is the lowest in the eight-county region, and with just 24 primary care providers per 100,000, residents struggle for routine care access. However, the county boasts 247 mental health providers per 100,000—one of the highest in the region—suggesting strong behavioral health infrastructure. This imbalance suggests untreated mental illness may be contributing to poor health outcomes.

Mental health emphasis without primary care foundation

Hot Spring's 8.4% uninsured rate is solid, but only 24 primary care providers per 100,000 create a critical access gap for chronic disease management. The 247 mental health providers per 100,000 are exceptional and suggest the county has prioritized behavioral health—reflecting opioid and addiction crises—but this cannot substitute for primary care. The 24% poor/fair health rate likely reflects untreated diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.

Use coverage to access distant primary care

Hot Spring's good insurance rate (8.4%) shows most residents are covered, but those without should enroll immediately at Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace or by calling 211. Your coverage is your bridge to primary care, whether through local clinics or regional hospitals—use telehealth and regional partnerships to access preventive care. Mental health services are abundant; ensure you're using them alongside primary care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Hot Spring County, AR?
Hot Spring County has a health score of 32/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #23 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 Hot Spring County?
Life expectancy in Hot Spring County is 72.2 years. The Arkansas state average is 72.3 years, making Hot Spring County below the state average.
How does Hot Spring County health compare to the Arkansas average?
Hot Spring County's health score of 32/100 is above the Arkansas average of 29/100. Life expectancy is 72.2 years vs. the state average of 72.3 years. The uninsured rate is 8.4% vs. 9.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Hot Spring County?
Key health factors for Hot Spring County include: life expectancy (72.2 years), uninsured rate (8.4%), and primary care physician access (24:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 247:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Hot Spring County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 32/100 ("Below Average"), Hot Spring County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Arkansas. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.2 years. 8.4% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Hot Spring County healthier than the Arkansas average?
Hot Spring County's health score of 32/100 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. Hot Spring County has better primary care access (24:1 ratio) than the state average (46:1).

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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.