Wapello County Health Data
Wapello County, Iowa
Health Score
54/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
74.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
6.7%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
74.5 yr
State avg 77.7 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
6.7%
State avg 5.7%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
57
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
176
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Wapello County, Iowa
Wapello Lags Behind National Health
At 74.5 years, Wapello County's life expectancy falls 1.9 years below the U.S. average and 3.2 years short of Iowa's state average, placing it among the lower-performing counties in the region. Nearly 1 in 5 residents (19.8%) report poor or fair health, the highest rate among these eight counties.
Struggles at State Rankings
Wapello ranks near the bottom of Iowa counties for life expectancy and self-reported health, signaling significant health challenges in the population. The county's 6.7% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 5.7%, adding barriers to regular medical care.
Struggling More Than Neighbors
Wapello's 74.5-year life expectancy lags substantially behind adjacent counties like Washington County (78.5 years) and Warren County (78.4 years). However, the county stands out with 176 mental health providers per 100K—triple the state average—suggesting strong behavioral health infrastructure.
Primary Care Shortage, Mental Health Strength
With only 57 primary care providers per 100K, Wapello faces a significant shortage of routine medical care access compared to the state norm. The county's exceptional mental health provider network (176 per 100K) indicates strong investment in behavioral health despite primary care gaps.
Insurance Coverage Matters Here
At 6.7% uninsured, Wapello County residents should prioritize enrollment in Iowa's health insurance marketplace or Medicaid to ensure consistent access to primary care. Preventive care can help address the county's elevated rates of poor health and lower life expectancy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.