Imperial County Health Data

Imperial County, California

Health Score

40/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

76.2 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.6%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

76.2 yr

State avg 78.5 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.6%

State avg 7.2%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

25

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

206

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Imperial County, California

Imperial faces California's worst health

Imperial County's 76.2-year life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 76.1 by mere months, but its 29.0% poor/fair health rate is the worst among these eight counties—61% above the national 18% rate. Serious health challenges affect this border community.

California's most distressed health county

Imperial's 76.2-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in California, falling 2.3 years short of the state's 78.5-year average. The 29.0% poor/fair health rate—the worst in this group—reflects severe disparities that demand urgent attention.

Isolated health crisis in border region

Imperial's 29.0% poor/fair health rate dwarfs that of nearby San Diego County and stands far worse than other California inland counties in this analysis. With only 25 primary care providers per 100,000—among the lowest—and 206 mental health providers per 100K, Imperial lacks the infrastructure to address its population health crisis.

Uninsured rates and provider gaps collide

Imperial's 8.6% uninsured rate is the second-highest in this group, leaving roughly 1 in 11 residents without coverage, while severely limited primary care access (25 per 100K) and mental health capacity create a perfect storm of health neglect. Geography and economics combine to isolate residents from preventive and specialty care.

Imperial County: urgent coverage need

With nearly 1 in 10 uninsured and critical provider shortages, Imperial residents need coverage urgently. Visit CoveredCA.com or call Promotores de Salud for Spanish-language assistance finding affordable plans and accessing telemedicine options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Imperial County, CA?
Imperial County has a health score of 40/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #54 out of 58 counties in California (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 Imperial County?
Life expectancy in Imperial County is 76.2 years. The California state average is 78.5 years, making Imperial County below the state average.
How does Imperial County health compare to the California average?
Imperial County's health score of 40/100 is below the California average of 67/100. Life expectancy is 76.2 years vs. the state average of 78.5 years. The uninsured rate is 8.6% vs. 7.2% statewide.
What health factors affect Imperial County?
Key health factors for Imperial County include: life expectancy (76.2 years), uninsured rate (8.6%), and primary care physician access (25:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 206:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Imperial County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 40/100 ("Below Average"), Imperial County faces health challenges compared to other counties in California. Residents have a life expectancy of 76.2 years. 8.6% of adults lack health insurance. Factors like healthcare access, environmental quality, and socioeconomic conditions all contribute to these outcomes.
What are the biggest health challenges in Imperial County?
Imperial County's health score of 40/100 is below the California average of 67/100. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

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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.