Ness County Health Data

Ness County, Kansas

Health Score

33/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.1 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.5%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.1 yr

State avg 75.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.5%

State avg 11.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

75

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

N/A

per 100K population

Data Story

About Health in Ness County, Kansas

Ness County significantly trails national health metrics

Ness County's life expectancy of 72.1 years lags the U.S. average of 76.4 years by 4.3 years—the steepest gap among this group of counties—signaling serious health headwinds. One in 5.5 residents (18.1%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the national average of 17.0%.

Ness County ranks among Kansas's lowest performers

At 72.1 years, Ness County's life expectancy ranks well below Kansas's state average of 75.4 years, representing a 3.3-year shortfall that places it at the lower end of statewide health outcomes. The 13.5% uninsured rate also exceeds Kansas's state average of 11.5%.

Ness County faces the steepest regional challenges

Ness County's 72.1-year life expectancy trails Norton County (78.8 years) by 6.7 years, the largest gap in this region, reflecting persistent health disparities. The 13.5% uninsured rate is also the highest among nearby counties, compounding access barriers.

Limited primary care and no mental health data

Ness County provides 75 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, below the national standard of 50 and insufficient for the county's needs, while mental health provider data is unavailable. The 13.5% uninsured rate—highest in the region—leaves many residents unable to afford even available primary care.

Health coverage is your starting point

Ness County's stubborn health challenges demand immediate action: securing health insurance through Kansas marketplace plans or employer coverage should be the first step. Community health centers and local enrollment navigators can help connect uninsured residents to plans that restore access to primary care.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Ness County, KS?
Ness County has a health score of 33/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #98 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 Ness County?
Life expectancy in Ness County is 72.1 years. The Kansas state average is 75.4 years, making Ness County below the state average.
How does Ness County health compare to the Kansas average?
Ness County's health score of 33/100 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 13.5% vs. 11.5% statewide.
What health factors affect Ness County?
Key health factors for Ness County include: life expectancy (72.1 years), uninsured rate (13.5%), and primary care physician access (75:1 (population to primary care physicians)). These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Ness County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 33/100 ("Below Average"), Ness County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Kansas. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.1 years. 13.5% 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 Ness County?
Ness County's health score of 33/100 is below the Kansas average of 54/100. The uninsured rate of 13.5% 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.

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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.