Black Hawk County Health Data

Black Hawk County, Iowa

Health Score

74/100

Average

Life Expectancy

76.7 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.2%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

76.7 yr

State avg 77.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.2%

State avg 5.7%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

95

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

258

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Black Hawk County, Iowa

Black Hawk lags on life expectancy

At 76.7 years, Black Hawk County life expectancy slightly exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years but trails Iowa's 77.7-year state average by 1 year. With 17.5% in poor or fair health, the county faces above-average chronic illness burden.

Below-average Iowa health rankings

Black Hawk ranks in the lower tier of Iowa counties on life expectancy and poor health prevalence, despite having 5.2% uninsured—just below the state average of 5.7%. Coverage levels suggest barriers to health outcomes run deeper than insurance access.

Urban county with mixed outcomes

Black Hawk's 76.7-year life expectancy lags most peers: Audubon (79.2), Benton (79.2), Allamakee (78.4), Adams (77.6), and Adair (77.0). Only Appanoose (75.4) performs worse, suggesting the county faces unique health challenges despite being the most urban in this group.

Exceptional provider capacity, persistent health gaps

Black Hawk County leads the region with 95 primary care providers and 258 mental health providers per 100,000—far exceeding rural neighbors. Despite this exceptional resource density and 5.2% uninsured, the 17.5% poor/fair health rate suggests barriers like poverty, transportation, or health literacy.

Use Black Hawk's provider abundance

Black Hawk has unparalleled access to mental health specialists (258 per 100,000) and primary care—resources most rural counties lack. Verify your coverage at Healthcare.gov and connect with providers; the infrastructure exists to support better health outcomes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Black Hawk County, IA?
Black Hawk County has a health score of 74/100, rated "Average." It ranks #68 out of 99 counties in Iowa (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 Black Hawk County?
Life expectancy in Black Hawk County is 76.7 years. The Iowa state average is 77.7 years, making Black Hawk County below the state average.
How does Black Hawk County health compare to the Iowa average?
Black Hawk County's health score of 74/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Life expectancy is 76.7 years vs. the state average of 77.7 years. The uninsured rate is 5.2% vs. 5.7% statewide.
What health factors affect Black Hawk County?
Key health factors for Black Hawk County include: life expectancy (76.7 years), uninsured rate (5.2%), and primary care physician access (95:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 258:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Black Hawk County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 74/100 ("Average"), Black Hawk County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Iowa. Residents have a life expectancy of 76.7 years. 5.2% 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 Black Hawk County?
Black Hawk County's health score of 74/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. 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.