Dickens County Health Data

Dickens County, Texas

Health Score

20/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.3 yr

Uninsured Rate

18.9%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.3 yr

State avg 74.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

18.9%

State avg 19.8%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

58

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

58

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Dickens County, Texas

Dickens falls short of national life span

At 73.3 years, Dickens County residents live 1.0 year less than the U.S. average of 74.3 years—a modest gap that reflects broader rural health challenges. The 22.9% poor/fair health rate exceeds national norms, and the 18.9% uninsured rate mirrors regional patterns where rural communities struggle with coverage gaps.

Below Texas average but stable uninsured rate

Dickens County's 73.3-year life expectancy trails Texas's 74.3-year average, yet its 22.9% poor/fair health rate and 18.9% uninsured rate essentially match state averages. The county's provider numbers—58 primary care and 58 mental health per 100,000—suggest a small, underserved rural economy.

Mid-range among rural West Texas peers

Dickens County's 73.3-year life expectancy sits between Dimmit (71.0 years) and DeWitt (74.6 years), reflecting typical rural health outcomes. The county's balanced 58 primary care and 58 mental health providers per 100,000 suggest more equitable healthcare distribution than counties with sharp provider imbalances.

Balanced but lean provider infrastructure

Dickens County's 58 primary care providers and 58 mental health providers per 100,000 residents represent a rare rural balance, yet both figures fall below state norms. The 18.9% uninsured rate means roughly one in five residents lack coverage, potentially avoiding both primary care and mental health services due to cost.

Insurance enables Dickens care access

With 18.9% of Dickens County uninsured and provider capacity already stretched thin, health insurance is crucial for accessing preventive and mental health care. Visit healthcare.gov or call 211 Texas to find coverage that ensures you can use Dickens's limited but balanced provider network.

eHealth Insurance

Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Dickens County residents.

Compare Plans →

HealthMarkets

Licensed agents for health, Medicare, and supplemental insurance in Texas.

Get a Quote →

Sponsored

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Dickens County, TX?
Dickens County has a health score of 20/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #143 out of 254 counties in Texas (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 Dickens County?
Life expectancy in Dickens County is 73.3 years. The Texas state average is 74.3 years, making Dickens County below the state average.
How does Dickens County health compare to the Texas average?
Dickens County's health score of 20/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. Life expectancy is 73.3 years vs. the state average of 74.3 years. The uninsured rate is 18.9% vs. 19.8% statewide.
What health factors affect Dickens County?
Key health factors for Dickens County include: life expectancy (73.3 years), uninsured rate (18.9%), and primary care physician access (58:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 58:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Dickens County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 20/100 ("Below Average"), Dickens County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Texas. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.3 years. 18.9% 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 Dickens County?
Dickens County's health score of 20/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. The uninsured rate of 18.9% 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.

Counties with Similar Health Profile

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.