Bent County Health Data

Bent County, Colorado

Health Score

44/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

74.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.9%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

74.8 yr

State avg 78.2 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.9%

State avg 9.7%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

N/A

per 100K population

Mental Health Providers

53

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Bent County, Colorado

Bent County life expectancy among nation's lowest

At 74.8 years, Bent County residents live nearly 4.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 79.3 years, and 22.8% report poor or fair health—well above the national average of 16.7%. This rural southeastern Colorado county faces substantial health disparities rooted in economic hardship and healthcare access barriers.

Bent ranks among Colorado's most challenged counties

Bent's 74.8-year life expectancy trails Colorado's 78.2-year state average by 3.4 years, placing it in Colorado's bottom tier for health outcomes. The county's 7.9% uninsured rate actually beats the state average of 9.7%, yet health outcomes remain poor—suggesting that coverage alone doesn't solve Bent's health crisis.

Bent struggles alongside rural southeastern peers

Bent's 74.8-year life expectancy matches Alamosa County and exceeds only Baca County (69.8 years) among this group of rural Colorado counties. Limited primary care data for Bent and just 53 mental health providers per 100K indicate serious provider shortages in a medically underserved region.

Rural isolation and poverty drive poor health

Bent County lacks complete primary care provider data, but the reported 53 mental health providers per 100K suggests minimal behavioral health infrastructure in this remote county. Poverty rates exceed 18%, and residents face long drives to reach specialists—barriers that turn treatable conditions into chronic crises and premature deaths.

Bent residents: ensure you stay covered

While Bent's 7.9% uninsured rate is better than the state average, the remaining uninsured residents face steep barriers to care in this underserved county. Check CoverColorado.com or contact your local health department to confirm your coverage and explore Medicaid options if income has changed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Bent County, CO?
Bent County has a health score of 44/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #50 out of 64 counties in Colorado (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 Bent County?
Life expectancy in Bent County is 74.8 years. The Colorado state average is 78.2 years, making Bent County below the state average.
How does Bent County health compare to the Colorado average?
Bent County's health score of 44/100 is below the Colorado average of 63/100. Life expectancy is 74.8 years vs. the state average of 78.2 years. The uninsured rate is 7.9% vs. 9.7% statewide.
What health factors affect Bent County?
Key health factors for Bent County include: life expectancy (74.8 years), uninsured rate (7.9%), and primary care physician access (not yet available). Mental health provider access is 53:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Bent County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 44/100 ("Below Average"), Bent County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Colorado. Residents have a life expectancy of 74.8 years. 7.9% 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 Bent County?
Bent County's health score of 44/100 is below the Colorado average of 63/100. 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.