Gaines County Health Data
Gaines County, Texas
Health Score
17/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
73.8 yr
Uninsured Rate
32.0%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
73.8 yr
State avg 74.3 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
32.0%
State avg 19.8%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
9
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
22
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Gaines County, Texas
Gaines life expectancy trails national average
At 73.8 years, Gaines County residents live roughly 2–3 years shorter than the national average, indicating significant health challenges. The county's 24.3% poor/fair health rate sits above national norms, reflecting chronic disease and lifestyle risk factors concentrated in this West Texas county.
Below-average life expectancy, severe coverage gaps
Gaines's 73.8-year life expectancy falls 0.5 years below the Texas state average, while its 32.0% uninsured rate nearly exceeds the state average by 12 percentage points. This coverage crisis directly limits access to preventive and acute care across the county.
Gaines has Texas's worst provider shortage
With only 9 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Gaines has among the lowest primary care density in the state—far below neighbors like Terry and Yoakum Counties. The 32.0% uninsured rate compounds this shortage, leaving residents with few healthcare options.
Critical provider shortage, highest uninsured rate
Gaines County residents face a dual crisis: just 9 primary care providers per 100,000 (versus 70+ in well-resourced counties) and 32.0% uninsured. This combination means residents often travel long distances for care or skip it entirely, explaining the elevated poor/fair health rates.
Gaines residents: insurance is within reach
One in three Gaines County residents lack health insurance, but affordable options exist through the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid. Starting coverage today can prevent catastrophic medical debt and ensure access to critical care.
eHealth Insurance
Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Gaines 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 Gaines County, TX?
What is the life expectancy in Gaines County?
How does Gaines County health compare to the Texas average?
What health factors affect Gaines County?
Is Gaines County a healthy place to live?
What are the biggest health challenges in Gaines County?
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.