Sierra County Health Data
Sierra County, New Mexico
Health Score
30/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
69.6 yr
Uninsured Rate
9.1%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
69.6 yr
State avg 73.7 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
9.1%
State avg 10.2%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
44
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
261
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Sierra County, New Mexico
Sierra faces critical life expectancy gap
Sierra County residents live just 69.6 years on average, more than 9 years below the U.S. life expectancy of 79 years—one of the largest gaps in the nation. The county's 21.4% poor or fair health rate compounds this crisis, indicating widespread chronic illness and preventable mortality.
Worst health outcomes in state
Sierra's 69.6-year life expectancy ranks worst in New Mexico, trailing the state average of 73.7 years by more than 4 years. The 21.4% poor/fair health rate ties the state's worst performers, while a 9.1% uninsured rate sits slightly below state average—suggesting barriers beyond coverage.
Significant disadvantage in region
Sierra's 69.6-year life expectancy falls far behind Socorro County (71.0 years) and every other neighbor, representing a public health emergency. With just 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and limited mental health infrastructure, the county faces severe provider shortages.
Critical provider shortage compounds health crisis
Sierra's 44 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means many patients travel long distances for basic care, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Combined with 9.1% uninsured rate and limited mental health resources (261 per 100K), residents face a triple barrier to managing chronic disease.
Enrollment is the first step
Nearly 1 in 11 Sierra County residents lack health insurance, limiting access to screenings that could extend life expectancy. Visit Healthcare.gov or call New Mexico's marketplace to explore Medicaid, subsidized plans, and transportation assistance programs—your health depends on it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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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.