Webster County Health Data

Webster County, Iowa

Health Score

73/100

Average

Life Expectancy

74.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.7%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

74.5 yr

State avg 77.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

5.7%

State avg 5.7%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

43

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

337

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Webster County, Iowa

Webster's Life Expectancy Falls Short

At 74.5 years, Webster County ties Wapello for the lowest life expectancy in this cohort, falling 1.9 years below the U.S. average and 3.2 years below Iowa's state average. However, only 14.1% report poor or fair health, suggesting hidden health vulnerabilities despite decent self-perception.

Among Iowa's Shortest Lifespans

Webster County ranks among the lowest in Iowa for life expectancy, though its 14.1% poor/fair health rate is closer to state norms. The county's 5.7% uninsured rate matches the state average exactly, indicating insurance coverage is not a primary barrier.

Outpaced by Regional Peers

Webster County's 74.5-year life expectancy significantly trails nearby Winnebago County (78.8 years) and Winneshiek County (81.8 years) to the north. The county offers an exceptional 337 mental health providers per 100K—the highest among all eight counties—yet struggles with low life expectancy.

Primary Care Shortage Prominent

Webster County offers only 43 primary care providers per 100K—the lowest in this cohort—limiting access to preventive and routine medical care. Despite this shortage and poor life expectancy outcomes, the county features the strongest mental health provider network at 337 per 100K.

Strengthen Primary Care Access

Webster County's primary care shortage (43 per 100K) likely contributes to its low life expectancy; residents should prioritize establishing relationships with available providers. With the uninsured rate at state average, most have coverage—use it to schedule preventive care and address health gaps early.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Webster County, IA?
Webster County has a health score of 73/100, rated "Average." It ranks #70 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 Webster County?
Life expectancy in Webster County is 74.5 years. The Iowa state average is 77.7 years, making Webster County below the state average.
How does Webster County health compare to the Iowa average?
Webster County's health score of 73/100 is below the Iowa average of 78/100. Life expectancy is 74.5 years vs. the state average of 77.7 years. The uninsured rate is 5.7% vs. 5.7% statewide.
What health factors affect Webster County?
Key health factors for Webster County include: life expectancy (74.5 years), uninsured rate (5.7%), and primary care physician access (43:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 337:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Webster County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 73/100 ("Average"), Webster County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Iowa. Residents have a life expectancy of 74.5 years. 5.7% 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 Webster County?
Webster 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.