Union County Health Data

Union County, Iowa

CDC County Health Rankings

Health Score

70/100

Average

Life Expectancy

75.6 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.6%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

75.6 yr

State avg 77.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.6%

State avg 5.7%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

100

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

218

per 100K population

National avg 350

Poor / Fair Health

17.0%

State avg 15.8%

National avg 19.6%

Healthcare Access

Dentists

8.3

per 100K residents

Provider counts from CMS NPPES (National Provider Identifier Registry). Data current as of 2026.

Chronic Disease & Behavioral Health

These prevalence estimates come from the CDC PLACES program (Population-Level Analysis and Community Estimates), which combines BRFSS survey data with statistical modeling to produce county-level rates. Estimates are age-adjusted to enable fair comparisons across counties with different age distributions. Use them to spot where Union County differs most from state and national norms.

Most prevalent chronic conditions

MeasureUnionState avgNational avgVs state
Obesity37.6%39.5%37.6%1.9 pts better than state
Diabetes9.8%9.8%11.2%near state average
High Blood Pressure31.9%31.1%33.5%0.8 pts worse than state
Depression21.8%21.5%24.1%near state average

Health-risk behaviors

MeasureUnionState avgNational avgVs state
Current Cigarette Smoking16.5%16.2%16.3%near state average
Binge Drinking21.6%22.5%17.8%0.9 pts better than state
Physical Inactivity25.6%25.1%27.0%near state average

Preventive-care uptake

MeasureUnionState avgNational avgVs state
Annual Routine Checkup75.6%75.1%74.9%near state average
Dental Visit (past year)63.5%65.6%57.3%2.1 pts worse than state
Mammography (women 50–74)76.8%77.4%73.3%0.6 pts worse than state

Daily-life impact

MeasureUnionState avgNational avgVs state
Frequent Mental Distress18.0%17.8%18.6%near state average
Short Sleep Duration32.8%33.7%37.3%0.9 pts better than state

These rates are part of the CDC PLACES survey. Compare Union County nationally on dental visit (past year).

Source: CDC PLACES, 2023 release · age-adjusted prevalence (%). Confidence intervals are available on individual rankings pages.

Data Story

Union County Life Expectancy Differentiates Local Health Profile

Health data brief for Union County, Iowa.

By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorPublished Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor
Lead metric:Life expectancy

Union County records a life expectancy of 75.6 years, which is more than two years lower than the Iowa state average of 77.7 years and lower than the national average of 77 years. This metric represents one of the more significant differences between the county and state health results. Conversely, clinical access is higher in some areas, with 100 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national median of 70. The mental health provider ratio is 218 per 100,000, which is lower than the national median of 250. In terms of health insurance coverage, the county’s 5.6% uninsured rate is nearly identical to the state’s 5.7% and lower than the national 10% average. About 17.0% of the population reports being in poor or fair health, matching the national rate exactly. This profile is based on reported data from federal and state sources. Explore state-level data.

Get Care in Union County, Iowa

Direct contact information for hospitals and community health resources serving this county. Hospital quality ratings come from CMS Care Compare — the federal program that measures hospital performance on safety, patient experience, and outcomes.

Greater Regional Medical Center

ER
3/5
(641) 782-7091
1700 West Townline Street, Creston, IA 50801
Critical Access HospitalsGovernment - Local

Sources: Hospital data: CMS Care Compare. Quality ratings: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Community health center directory: HRSA. Last reviewed 2026-05-14.

Information is for general guidance only and is not medical advice. Always call ahead to confirm services, hours, and insurance accepted. In a medical emergency, dial 911.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Union County, IA?
Union County has a health score of 70/100, rated "Average." It ranks #77 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 Union County?
Life expectancy in Union County is 75.6 years. The Iowa state average is 77.7 years, making Union County below the state average.
How does Union County health compare to the Iowa average?
Union County's health score of 70/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Life expectancy is 75.6 years vs. the state average of 77.7 years. The uninsured rate is 5.6% vs. 5.7% statewide.
What health factors affect Union County?
Key health factors for Union County include: life expectancy (75.6 years), uninsured rate (5.6%), and primary care physician access (100:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 218:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Union County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 70/100 ("Average"), Union County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Iowa. Residents have a life expectancy of 75.6 years. 5.6% 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 Union County?
Union County's health score of 70/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

Counties with Similar Health Profile

By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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.