Lucas County Health Data

Lucas County, Iowa

Health Score

69/100

Average

Life Expectancy

76.0 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.4%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

76.0 yr

State avg 77.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.4%

State avg 5.7%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

103

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

114

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Lucas County, Iowa

Lucas County lags on life expectancy

At 76.0 years, Lucas County residents live roughly 2.4 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and 1.7 years below Iowa's state average. The county's 18.2% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the national average of 16.8%. These metrics point to significant health challenges in this rural community.

Among Iowa's shortest lifespans

Lucas County's 76.0-year life expectancy ranks among the lowest in Iowa, trailing the state average of 77.7 years by nearly two years. The county struggles with health outcomes relative to its peers across the state. This gap demands urgent attention to chronic disease prevention and healthcare access.

Mixed provider landscape

Lucas County has 103 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the highest among its neighbors—but only 114 mental health providers per 100,000. This abundance of primary care providers hasn't yet translated to dramatically better health outcomes, suggesting barriers beyond provider availability. Rural transportation and poverty likely play significant roles.

Uninsured rate near state average

Lucas County's 5.4% uninsured rate closely mirrors Iowa's 5.7% average, so coverage isn't the primary barrier to care. Despite abundant primary care providers—103 per 100,000—health outcomes remain poor, suggesting residents face obstacles like income, transportation, or health literacy. Multiple factors beyond physician supply shape Lucas County's health crisis.

Coverage is just the start

Most Lucas County residents have health insurance, but 1 in 18 still lack it—visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 for coverage options. If you're covered, schedule preventive care with one of Lucas County's abundant primary care providers to catch problems early. Regular checkups matter most in communities facing health challenges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Lucas County, IA?
Lucas County has a health score of 69/100, rated "Average." It ranks #79 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 Lucas County?
Life expectancy in Lucas County is 76.0 years. The Iowa state average is 77.7 years, making Lucas County below the state average.
How does Lucas County health compare to the Iowa average?
Lucas County's health score of 69/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Life expectancy is 76.0 years vs. the state average of 77.7 years. The uninsured rate is 5.4% vs. 5.7% statewide.
What health factors affect Lucas County?
Key health factors for Lucas County include: life expectancy (76.0 years), uninsured rate (5.4%), and primary care physician access (103:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 114:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Lucas County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 69/100 ("Average"), Lucas County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Iowa. Residents have a life expectancy of 76.0 years. 5.4% 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 Lucas County?
Lucas County's health score of 69/100 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.