Union County Health Data

Union County, Iowa

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

Data Story

About Health in Union County, Iowa

Union County life expectancy lags nation

At 75.6 years, Union County residents live 3.3 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years—the second-lowest in the eight-county region. The 17.0% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 16%, indicating significant population health challenges.

Well below state average on longevity

Union County's 75.6-year life expectancy falls 2.1 years below Iowa's 77.7-year average, placing it among the state's lowest-performing counties. The health deficit is substantial and requires targeted intervention.

Lowest life expectancy, strong provider access

Union County's 75.6-year life expectancy is the lowest among all eight counties, yet paradoxically it offers 100 primary care providers per 100K—tied with Scott County for the region's best. The 218 mental health providers per 100K also ranks among the region's strongest.

Good provider access masks health challenges

Despite having 100 primary care and 218 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—excellent by regional standards—Union County still has the region's lowest life expectancy. The 5.6% uninsured rate is near the state average, suggesting barriers beyond provider access or insurance status drive poor health outcomes.

Ensure coverage and preventive care

Union County's 5.6% uninsured rate is near the state average, but the county's low life expectancy suggests even insured residents face health barriers. Review your coverage at Healthcare.gov and schedule preventive care with your available providers to improve health outcomes.

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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.

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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.