Independence County Health Data

Independence County, Arkansas

Health Score

30/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.4 yr

Uninsured Rate

9.8%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.4 yr

State avg 72.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

9.8%

State avg 9.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

77

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

185

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Independence County, Arkansas

Life expectancy nearly matches national average

Independence County residents live to an average of 73.4 years, just 3 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 76.4 years—a strong showing for a rural Arkansas county. About 25.6% report poor or fair health, tying for the highest in the eight-county study, suggesting health perception lags behind actual longevity. This gap hints at undiagnosed or undertreated conditions affecting resident wellness.

Top-tier life expectancy with solid coverage

Independence's 73.4-year life expectancy is 1.1 years above Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years, placing it among the healthiest counties in the state. The uninsured rate of 9.8% essentially matches the state average of 9.9%, indicating representative insurance access. Independence stands as a health performer within Arkansas despite rural characteristics.

Health leader with strong provider capacity

Independence's 73.4-year life expectancy ties with Greene for the highest in the eight-county region, supported by 77 primary care providers per 100,000—the second-highest after Garland. Mental health providers at 185 per 100,000 offer robust behavioral health infrastructure. This provider density likely contributes to Independence's strong life expectancy and positions it as a regional healthcare hub.

Strong providers serving well-insured population

Independence's 9.8% uninsured rate matches the state average, and with 77 primary care providers per 100,000, residents have good access to routine care and chronic disease management. However, 25.6% reporting poor/fair health—tied for highest—suggests that access alone doesn't guarantee good health outcomes. Mental health providers at 185 per 100,000 support behavioral health, though underlying economic and social factors may limit care effectiveness.

Leverage Independence's healthcare strength

With 77 primary care providers per 100,000, Independence County offers above-average healthcare capacity—ensure you're covered to use it. If you're uninsured, visit Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace or call 211 to enroll quickly. Coverage unlocks preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management that can close the gap between Independence's strong life expectancy and high poor/fair health reporting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Independence County, AR?
Independence County has a health score of 30/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #29 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 Independence County?
Life expectancy in Independence County is 73.4 years. The Arkansas state average is 72.3 years, making Independence County above the state average.
How does Independence County health compare to the Arkansas average?
Independence County's health score of 30/100 is above the Arkansas average of 29/100. Life expectancy is 73.4 years vs. the state average of 72.3 years. The uninsured rate is 9.8% vs. 9.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Independence County?
Key health factors for Independence County include: life expectancy (73.4 years), uninsured rate (9.8%), and primary care physician access (77:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 185:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Independence County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 30/100 ("Below Average"), Independence County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Arkansas. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.4 years. 9.8% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
Why is Independence County healthier than the Arkansas average?
Independence County's health score of 30/100 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.