Deaf Smith County Health Data
Deaf Smith County, Texas
Health Score
14/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
74.2 yr
Uninsured Rate
22.7%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
74.2 yr
State avg 74.3 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
22.7%
State avg 19.8%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
11
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
11
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Deaf Smith County, Texas
Deaf Smith struggles with health burden
Deaf Smith County's 74.2-year life expectancy matches the national average but masks a deeper crisis: 34.9% of residents report poor or fair health—nearly double the national rate. This disconnect reveals that while Deaf Smith residents reach average age, many live with chronic disease and disability.
High disease burden, low provider supply
Deaf Smith County's life expectancy slightly trails Texas's 74.3-year average, but its 34.9% poor/fair health rate towers above the state average, ranking among Texas's most health-stressed counties. The county's critical shortage of 11 primary care providers per 100,000 means residents cannot access the preventive care needed to reverse this trend.
West Texas health access desert
Deaf Smith's 74.2-year life expectancy and 34.9% poor/fair health rate place it among the most challenged in West Texas, below Dimmit (71.0 years) despite similar uninsured rates. With only 11 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Deaf Smith mirrors the provider scarcity seen in Dawson, isolating residents from essential mental health care.
Extreme shortage of doctors and mental health
Deaf Smith County's 11 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 11 mental health providers per 100,000 represent a healthcare access crisis—families often drive 50+ miles for a routine checkup. The 22.7% uninsured rate worsens the situation, as uninsured residents postpone visits until emergencies arise.
Insurance is first step to care
With 22.7% of Deaf Smith County uninsured and severe provider shortages, health insurance becomes even more critical to access distant specialists and mental health care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 Texas to explore coverage options that can connect you to care outside the county when needed.
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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.