Van Buren County Health Data

Van Buren County, Iowa

Health Score

63/100

Average

Life Expectancy

77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.3%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

77.5 yr

State avg 77.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

8.3%

State avg 5.7%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

83

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

41

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Van Buren County, Iowa

Van Buren's Life Expectancy

At 77.5 years, Van Buren residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 76.4 years, though about 2 years shorter than the Iowa state average of 77.7 years. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (18.1%) report poor or fair health, somewhat above the national trend toward better self-reported health outcomes.

Middle of the Pack in Iowa

Van Buren ranks in the middle tier of Iowa counties for life expectancy, sitting just below the state average. With an 8.3% uninsured rate, the county exceeds Iowa's 5.7% state average, indicating a larger population without health coverage.

Compared to Nearby Counties

Van Buren's 77.5-year life expectancy trails both Warren County (78.4 years) and Washington County (78.5 years) to the west. The county's primary care provider density of 83 per 100K is strong, matching or exceeding several neighboring counties.

Access and Uninsured Reality

One in 12 Van Buren residents (8.3%) lack health insurance—significantly higher than the state average—which can delay preventive care and increase emergency room visits. The county maintains 83 primary care providers per 100K residents, but only 41 mental health providers per 100K, suggesting potential gaps in behavioral health access.

Find Affordable Coverage Now

With 8.3% of residents uninsured, Van Buren County families should explore Iowa's health insurance marketplace at healthcare.gov or contact local navigators for assistance. Medicaid expansion and subsidized plans may lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Van Buren County, IA?
Van Buren County has a health score of 63/100, rated "Average." It ranks #92 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 Van Buren County?
Life expectancy in Van Buren County is 77.5 years. The Iowa state average is 77.7 years, making Van Buren County below the state average.
How does Van Buren County health compare to the Iowa average?
Van Buren County's health score of 63/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Life expectancy is 77.5 years vs. the state average of 77.7 years. The uninsured rate is 8.3% vs. 5.7% statewide.
What health factors affect Van Buren County?
Key health factors for Van Buren County include: life expectancy (77.5 years), uninsured rate (8.3%), and primary care physician access (83:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 41:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Van Buren County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 63/100 ("Average"), Van Buren County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Iowa. Residents have a life expectancy of 77.5 years. 8.3% 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 Van Buren County?
Van Buren County's health score of 63/100 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.