Cherokee County Health Data

Cherokee County, Kansas

Health Score

37/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.1 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.1%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.1 yr

State avg 75.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.1%

State avg 11.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

21

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

184

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Cherokee County, Kansas

Cherokee County faces health headwinds

At 72.1 years, Cherokee County residents live 3.6 years less than the U.S. average of 75.7 years. With 18.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county ranks among the nation's lower performers.

Lowest life expectancy in state

Cherokee County's 72.1-year life expectancy significantly trails Kansas's 75.4-year average, marking it as one of the state's most challenged health jurisdictions. At 18.5% poor/fair health, it also ranks near the bottom statewide.

Most vulnerable county in region

Cherokee's 72.1-year life expectancy is the lowest among peers like Chase (78.0), Clay (78.2), and Coffey (76.6). Its 18.5% poor/fair health rate ties nearby Coffey as the worst in the immediate region.

Provider access below state standards

Cherokee offers only 21 primary care providers per 100K residents—far below state norms—while supporting 184 mental health providers per 100K. With 11.1% uninsured, coverage approaches the state average, but care access remains constrained.

Strengthen care access

Cherokee's 11.1% uninsured rate and tight provider network mean every insurance option matters. Enroll through the Kansas marketplace to ensure you're covered, then ask your health provider about wait times and telehealth options.

eHealth Insurance

Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Cherokee County residents.

Compare Plans →

HealthMarkets

Licensed agents for health, Medicare, and supplemental insurance in Kansas.

Get a Quote →

Sponsored

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Cherokee County, KS?
Cherokee County has a health score of 37/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #89 out of 105 counties in Kansas (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 Cherokee County?
Life expectancy in Cherokee County is 72.1 years. The Kansas state average is 75.4 years, making Cherokee County below the state average.
How does Cherokee County health compare to the Kansas average?
Cherokee County's health score of 37/100 is below the Kansas average of 54/100. Life expectancy is 72.1 years vs. the state average of 75.4 years. The uninsured rate is 11.1% vs. 11.5% statewide.
What health factors affect Cherokee County?
Key health factors for Cherokee County include: life expectancy (72.1 years), uninsured rate (11.1%), and primary care physician access (21:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 184:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Cherokee County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 37/100 ("Below Average"), Cherokee County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Kansas. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.1 years. 11.1% 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 Cherokee County?
Cherokee County's health score of 37/100 is below the Kansas average of 54/100. The uninsured rate of 11.1% means a significant portion of residents may face barriers to healthcare. Improving health outcomes often requires investment in healthcare infrastructure, insurance coverage expansion, and community health programs.

Counties with Similar Health Profile

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.