Houston County Health Data

Houston County, Tennessee

Health Score

22/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

70.9 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

70.9 yr

State avg 72.4 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

13.0%

State avg 11.9%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

24

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

298

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Houston County, Tennessee

Houston County's health trails national benchmarks

Houston County residents have a life expectancy of 70.9 years, nearly 4 years below the U.S. average of 74.5 years. Over one in five residents (22.1%) report poor or fair health, compared to 17.8% nationally. These gaps reflect broader health challenges affecting the county.

Houston ranks 73rd in Tennessee health outcomes

At 70.9 years, Houston County's life expectancy falls 1.5 years short of Tennessee's 72.4-year state average. The county's 22.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average by 4.1 percentage points. Houston sits in the lower-to-middle range of county health rankings statewide.

Mixed health metrics within the region

Houston County's 70.9-year life expectancy edges out Hickman County (69.9 years) but trails Humphreys County (71.5 years). Its uninsured rate of 13.0% is nearly identical to Hickman's 13.3%, suggesting shared healthcare access barriers. However, Houston boasts 298 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding regional peers.

Uninsured rate compounds healthcare access gaps

More than one in eight Houston County residents (13.0%) lack health insurance, making preventive care and treatment challenging for thousands. With 24 primary care providers per 100K, the county has slightly better access than Hickman but still lags state leaders like Knox County. The county's strong mental health capacity (298 per 100K) offers a bright spot.

Explore coverage options that fit your needs

If cost is keeping you uninsured, Tennessee Marketplace plans and Medicaid may offer affordable alternatives. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to check eligibility and compare plans designed for your family's budget. Getting covered is the first step to better health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Houston County, TN?
Houston County has a health score of 22/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #64 out of 95 counties in Tennessee (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 Houston County?
Life expectancy in Houston County is 70.9 years. The Tennessee state average is 72.4 years, making Houston County below the state average.
How does Houston County health compare to the Tennessee average?
Houston County's health score of 22/100 is below the Tennessee average of 29/100. Life expectancy is 70.9 years vs. the state average of 72.4 years. The uninsured rate is 13.0% vs. 11.9% statewide.
What health factors affect Houston County?
Key health factors for Houston County include: life expectancy (70.9 years), uninsured rate (13.0%), and primary care physician access (24:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 298:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Houston County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 22/100 ("Below Average"), Houston County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Tennessee. Residents have a life expectancy of 70.9 years. 13.0% 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 Houston County?
Houston County's health score of 22/100 is below the Tennessee average of 29/100. The uninsured rate of 13.0% 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.