Vernon County Health Data

Vernon County, Missouri

Health Score

29/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.6 yr

Uninsured Rate

12.2%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.6 yr

State avg 74.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

12.2%

State avg 12.5%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

26

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

416

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Vernon County, Missouri

Vernon County's life expectancy falls behind

Vernon County's life expectancy of 72.6 years trails the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 1.9 years, while 21.2% of residents report poor or fair health versus the national rate of 21%. The county faces substantial health headwinds affecting longevity and quality of life.

Lower life expectancy than Missouri average

At 72.6 years, Vernon County's life expectancy falls 1.7 years below Missouri's 74.3-year average, positioning it among the state's least healthy counties. The 21.2% poor/fair health rate matches state-level challenges, compounding residents' health risks.

One of the region's health weak points

Vernon County's 72.6-year life expectancy matches Texas County but trails all other nearby counties, with Stone County (76.0) and Warren County (75.6) significantly ahead. The county's 21.2% poor/fair health rate places it in the bottom tier of regional health outcomes.

Mental health surplus, primary care gaps

Vernon County offers an exceptional 416 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—far above any regional peer—yet only 26 primary care providers per 100,000. The uninsured rate of 12.2% is near Missouri's average, but limited primary care threatens preventive health.

Use your coverage for prevention

Vernon County's robust mental health infrastructure is a regional asset, but primary care gaps require residents to be proactive about insurance coverage. Enroll in the Missouri marketplace or Medicaid to ensure access to preventive care and routine primary services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Vernon County, MO?
Vernon County has a health score of 29/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #82 out of 115 counties in Missouri (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 Vernon County?
Life expectancy in Vernon County is 72.6 years. The Missouri state average is 74.3 years, making Vernon County below the state average.
How does Vernon County health compare to the Missouri average?
Vernon County's health score of 29/100 is below the Missouri average of 38/100. Life expectancy is 72.6 years vs. the state average of 74.3 years. The uninsured rate is 12.2% vs. 12.5% statewide.
What health factors affect Vernon County?
Key health factors for Vernon County include: life expectancy (72.6 years), uninsured rate (12.2%), and primary care physician access (26:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 416:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Vernon County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 29/100 ("Below Average"), Vernon County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Missouri. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.6 years. 12.2% 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 Vernon County?
Vernon County's health score of 29/100 is below the Missouri average of 38/100. The uninsured rate of 12.2% 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.