Decatur County Health Data
Decatur County, Iowa
Health Score
71/100
Average
Life Expectancy
76.0 yr
Uninsured Rate
5.8%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
76.0 yr
State avg 77.7 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
5.8%
State avg 5.7%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
26
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
274
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Decatur County, Iowa
Decatur County confronts lower life expectancy
At 76.0 years, Decatur County's life expectancy ranks below the national average of 76.4 years and Iowa's average of 77.7 years—a gap that reflects persistent health challenges. With 17.0% of residents in poor or fair health, the county mirrors national concerns, suggesting underlying barriers to health maintenance.
Among Iowa's shortest life expectancies
Decatur County's 76.0-year life expectancy places it among the lowest in Iowa, trailing the state average by 1.7 years. While the poor/fair health rate of 17.0% is slightly better than some neighbors, the life expectancy gap indicates systemic health disadvantages.
Mixed provider access in rural context
Decatur County's life expectancy of 76.0 years is the lowest among these eight counties, though it has a notably strong mental health provider ratio of 274 per 100,000 residents—well above the norm. However, primary care access remains modest at 26 providers per 100,000, which may leave some residents traveling for basic services.
Low uninsured rate, but care access limited
Decatur County's uninsured rate of 5.8% is close to the state average of 5.7%, meaning most residents have insurance coverage. Yet with only 26 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, many insured Decatur residents may struggle to find and reach a family doctor.
Ensure your Decatur County coverage holds
Nearly all Decatur County residents have insurance, but staying covered ensures you can access the primary care that the county needs to improve outcomes. If your coverage lapses, find new options at Healthcare.gov or through Iowa's marketplace within 60 days.
eHealth Insurance
Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Decatur County residents.
Compare Plans →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the health ranking of Decatur County, IA?
What is the life expectancy in Decatur County?
How does Decatur County health compare to the Iowa average?
What health factors affect Decatur County?
Is Decatur County a healthy place to live?
What are the biggest health challenges in Decatur County?
Counties with Similar Health Profile
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.