Torrance County Health Data

Torrance County, New Mexico

Health Score

31/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

9.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.8 yr

State avg 73.7 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

9.0%

State avg 10.2%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

7

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

179

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Torrance County, New Mexico

Torrance lags well behind national benchmark

At 72.8 years, Torrance County's life expectancy falls 6.2 years short of the U.S. average of 79 years, placing it among the nation's lowest-performing rural counties. The 24.5% poor or fair health rate significantly exceeds the national 15% average, indicating widespread chronic disease and limited health infrastructure.

Third-worst health in New Mexico

Torrance's 72.8-year life expectancy ranks fourth-worst in the state, nearly 1 year below New Mexico's 73.7-year average. The 24.5% poor/fair health rate places it among the state's most distressed populations, though a 9.0% uninsured rate sits slightly below the state average.

Critical shortage in isolated county

Torrance's 72.8-year life expectancy trails neighboring Taos (76.5 years) and Sandoval (76.8 years), with only Socorro (71.0 years) and Sierra (69.6 years) performing worse. Most alarming: Torrance has just 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—a near-total provider desert compared to regional averages of 50-110.

Provider desert threatens basic care access

Torrance County's catastrophic shortage of 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents means patients travel 30+ miles for routine care, delaying diagnosis and preventive treatment. The county's 9.0% uninsured rate masks a deeper crisis: even insured residents can't find doctors, leaving chronic disease unmanaged.

Health insurance + advocacy needed

Torrance residents must secure health coverage as a foundation, even as they advocate for provider recruitment and telemedicine expansion. Visit Healthcare.gov or call New Mexico's marketplace to explore Medicaid and plans—coverage is your first tool to demand better healthcare access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Torrance County, NM?
Torrance County has a health score of 31/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #21 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 Torrance County?
Life expectancy in Torrance County is 72.8 years. The New Mexico state average is 73.7 years, making Torrance County below the state average.
How does Torrance County health compare to the New Mexico average?
Torrance County's health score of 31/100 is below the New Mexico average of 38/100. Life expectancy is 72.8 years vs. the state average of 73.7 years. The uninsured rate is 9.0% vs. 10.2% statewide.
What health factors affect Torrance County?
Key health factors for Torrance County include: life expectancy (72.8 years), uninsured rate (9.0%), and primary care physician access (7:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 179:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Torrance County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 31/100 ("Below Average"), Torrance County faces health challenges compared to other counties in New Mexico. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.8 years. 9.0% 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 Torrance County?
Torrance County's health score of 31/100 is below the New Mexico average of 38/100. 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.