Otero County Health Data
Otero County, Colorado
Health Score
25/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
71.9 yr
Uninsured Rate
10.0%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
71.9 yr
State avg 78.2 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
10.0%
State avg 9.7%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
70
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
441
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Otero County, Colorado
Otero County faces severe health challenges
At 71.9 years, Otero County residents live nearly 8.4 years less than the U.S. average of 80.3 years—one of the starkest gaps in Colorado. The 25.6% poor/fair health rate far exceeds the national average of 18%, indicating widespread chronic disease and significant health struggles across the community.
Colorado's lowest life expectancy county
Otero County's 71.9-year life expectancy ranks last among Colorado counties, falling 6.3 years below the state average of 78.2 years. The 25.6% poor/fair health rate represents the worst health outcomes in the state, signaling a health crisis that demands urgent community attention.
Trailing all neighboring counties significantly
Otero County's 71.9-year life expectancy lags Pueblo, Huerfano, and Las Animas counties by 5 or more years each, marking a distinct health disadvantage in southeastern Colorado. Despite higher mental health provider availability (441 per 100,000), the county's 70 primary care providers per 100,000 remain insufficient for the population's severe health burden.
Limited insurance gaps but severe health crisis
Though Otero County's 10% uninsured rate is close to state average, the real crisis is the 25.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health—poverty, limited economic opportunity, and social isolation compound disease burden. With 70 primary care providers and 441 mental health providers per 100,000, the infrastructure exists, but residents need support accessing care and addressing root health drivers.
Secure your health coverage and care plan
While most Otero County residents have insurance, the county's 25.6% poor/fair health rate signals that coverage alone isn't enough—residents need proactive, coordinated care. Ensure your family has current coverage through Colorado.gov/PEAK, and ask your doctor about chronic disease programs and mental health support available in your community.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.