Chaves County Health Data

Chaves County, New Mexico

Health Score

26/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.2 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.2 yr

State avg 73.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

11.0%

State avg 10.2%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

62

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

156

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Chaves County, New Mexico

Chaves struggles with health outcomes

Chaves County residents live an average of 72.2 years, nearly 1.5 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years. With 23.8% of residents reporting poor or fair health—the highest rate among these eight counties—Chaves faces significant health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in the region

Chaves County's 72.2-year life expectancy falls 1.5 years below New Mexico's 73.7-year average, ranking among the state's worst. The county's 11% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 10.2%, leaving more residents vulnerable to healthcare disruptions.

Fewer providers than comparable counties

With just 62 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Chaves has fewer than Bernalillo (106) but matches Cibola and Curry. The county's 156 mental health providers per 100,000 ranks in the middle range regionally, suggesting some behavioral health capacity despite broader health struggles.

Double burden: uninsured and underserved

One in nine Chaves residents (11%) lack any health insurance, creating barriers to both preventive and emergency care. Limited primary care capacity—62 providers per 100,000—means residents often travel far for routine doctor visits, delaying care.

Getting insured could save your life

Health coverage directly improves your chances of catching and treating serious conditions early—especially important in Chaves where access is stretched thin. Explore subsidized plans through New Mexico's marketplace; many working families qualify for reduced-cost options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Chaves County, NM?
Chaves County has a health score of 26/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #25 out of 33 counties in New Mexico (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 Chaves County?
Life expectancy in Chaves County is 72.2 years. The New Mexico state average is 73.7 years, making Chaves County below the state average.
How does Chaves County health compare to the New Mexico average?
Chaves County's health score of 26/100 is below the New Mexico average of 38/100. Life expectancy is 72.2 years vs. the state average of 73.7 years. The uninsured rate is 11.0% vs. 10.2% statewide.
What health factors affect Chaves County?
Key health factors for Chaves County include: life expectancy (72.2 years), uninsured rate (11.0%), and primary care physician access (62:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 156:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Chaves County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 26/100 ("Below Average"), Chaves County faces health challenges compared to other counties in New Mexico. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.2 years. 11.0% 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 Chaves County?
Chaves County's health score of 26/100 is below the New Mexico average of 38/100. The uninsured rate of 11.0% 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.