Houston County Health Data

Houston County, Texas

Health Score

15/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

19.8%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.5 yr

State avg 74.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

19.8%

State avg 19.8%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

14

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

41

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Houston County, Texas

Houston County lags on life expectancy

At 72.5 years, Houston County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's poor or fair health rate of 24.3% exceeds national norms, suggesting higher rates of chronic disease and health challenges across the population.

Below Texas average in longevity

Houston County's life expectancy of 72.5 years falls 1.8 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average. This ranks the county in the lower third statewide for health outcomes, indicating persistent disparities in preventive care and chronic disease management.

Fewer primary care doctors nearby

With just 14 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Houston County has fewer doctors than neighboring Hunt County (27 per 100K) and Jack County (34 per 100K). Mental health provider availability at 41 per 100K is moderate but trails larger regional providers like Howard County's 229 per 100K.

Insurance matches state, access lags

Houston County's uninsured rate of 19.8% aligns with the Texas average, but the shortage of primary care providers means fewer people have easy access to basic services. This gap between insurance coverage and actual provider availability creates delays in routine care and preventive services.

Find your health insurance option

If you're uninsured, enrollment periods open annually through the marketplace. Contact local health clinics or visit healthcare.gov to explore plans that fit your budget and connect with Houston County providers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Houston County, TX?
Houston County has a health score of 15/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #190 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 Houston County?
Life expectancy in Houston County is 72.5 years. The Texas state average is 74.3 years, making Houston County below the state average.
How does Houston County health compare to the Texas average?
Houston County's health score of 15/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. Life expectancy is 72.5 years vs. the state average of 74.3 years. The uninsured rate is 19.8% vs. 19.8% statewide.
What health factors affect Houston County?
Key health factors for Houston County include: life expectancy (72.5 years), uninsured rate (19.8%), and primary care physician access (14:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 41:1 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 15/100 ("Below Average"), Houston County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Texas. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.5 years. 19.8% 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 15/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. The uninsured rate of 19.8% 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.