Clarke County Health Data

Clarke County, Iowa

Health Score

56/100

Average

Life Expectancy

75.4 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.7%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

75.4 yr

State avg 77.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

6.7%

State avg 5.7%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

51

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

21

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Clarke County, Iowa

Life expectancy significantly below average

Clarke County residents live 75.4 years on average, nearly 3 years below the U.S. average of 78.3 years. With a concerning 20.4% poor or fair health rate—well above the national 15%—the county faces substantial health challenges.

Among Iowa's least healthy counties

At 75.4 years, Clarke County's life expectancy lags Iowa's state average of 77.7 years by 2.3 years, placing it among the state's lowest-performing counties. The 20.4% poor or fair health rate signals systemic challenges in chronic disease management and health outcomes.

Sparse provider network

Clarke County has only 51 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and critically few mental health providers at just 21 per 100K. This severe shortage means residents frequently travel outside the county for both routine and specialized mental health care.

High uninsured rate compounds access barriers

Clarke's 6.7% uninsured rate tops Iowa's 5.7% average, leaving a significant portion of residents without regular healthcare access. When combined with sparse local providers, uninsured residents face compounded barriers to preventive care that could address the county's elevated health risks.

Coverage is essential here

Clarke residents without insurance should prioritize enrollment through Healthcare.gov or Iowa Medicaid—coverage directly improves health outcomes in areas with limited providers. Securing insurance enables you to access care outside the county and invest in preventive services that can extend your life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Clarke County, IA?
Clarke County has a health score of 56/100, rated "Average." It ranks #97 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 Clarke County?
Life expectancy in Clarke County is 75.4 years. The Iowa state average is 77.7 years, making Clarke County below the state average.
How does Clarke County health compare to the Iowa average?
Clarke County's health score of 56/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Life expectancy is 75.4 years vs. the state average of 77.7 years. The uninsured rate is 6.7% vs. 5.7% statewide.
What health factors affect Clarke County?
Key health factors for Clarke County include: life expectancy (75.4 years), uninsured rate (6.7%), and primary care physician access (51:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 21:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Clarke County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 56/100 ("Average"), Clarke County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Iowa. Residents have a life expectancy of 75.4 years. 6.7% 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 Clarke County?
Clarke County's health score of 56/100 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.