O'Brien County Health Data

O'Brien County, Iowa

Health Score

73/100

Average

Life Expectancy

76.4 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.9%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

76.4 yr

State avg 77.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.9%

State avg 5.7%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

57

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

36

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in O'Brien County, Iowa

O'Brien County near national average

At 76.4 years, O'Brien County residents live 1.3 years below the U.S. average of 77.7 years—a modest gap. The 16.7% poor/fair health rate is slightly elevated above national norms, pointing to concentrated health challenges in specific populations.

Slightly below Iowa state average

O'Brien County's 76.4-year life expectancy is 1.3 years below Iowa's 77.7-year state average, placing it in the lower-middle tier. The 16.7% poor/fair health rate is above average for the state, suggesting room for improvement in population health management.

Competitive with regional peers

O'Brien County's 76.4-year life expectancy ties with Mills County and outpaces Monona (75.0) and Monroe (75.3), though trails Mitchell (79.3). The 16.7% poor/fair health rate is elevated compared to neighbors but typical for counties with similar demographic profiles.

Good coverage, strong primary care

O'Brien County's 5.9% uninsured rate is close to Iowa's 5.7% average, ensuring accessible coverage for most residents. The county provides 57 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—strong baseline access—though mental health capacity at 36 providers per 100,000 is below peers, representing a potential care gap.

Confirm your health coverage

With 5.9% uninsured, O'Brien County has near-average coverage, but gaps remain for specific populations. Visit healthcare.gov or your county health office to ensure you're covered and connected to the county's strong primary care network.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of O'Brien County, IA?
O'Brien County has a health score of 73/100, rated "Average." It ranks #69 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 O'Brien County?
Life expectancy in O'Brien County is 76.4 years. The Iowa state average is 77.7 years, making O'Brien County below the state average.
How does O'Brien County health compare to the Iowa average?
O'Brien County's health score of 73/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Life expectancy is 76.4 years vs. the state average of 77.7 years. The uninsured rate is 5.9% vs. 5.7% statewide.
What health factors affect O'Brien County?
Key health factors for O'Brien County include: life expectancy (76.4 years), uninsured rate (5.9%), and primary care physician access (57:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 36:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is O'Brien County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 73/100 ("Average"), O'Brien County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Iowa. Residents have a life expectancy of 76.4 years. 5.9% 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 O'Brien County?
O'Brien County's health score of 73/100 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.