Starr County Health Data

Starr County, Texas

Health Score

12/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

73.9 yr

Uninsured Rate

25.0%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

73.9 yr

State avg 74.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

25.0%

State avg 19.8%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

26

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

32

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Starr County, Texas

Most serious health crisis in dataset

Starr County's life expectancy of 73.9 years falls 2.5 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years, reflecting substantial population health challenges. Alarming: 37.8% report poor or fair health—the highest rate across all counties analyzed—indicating widespread chronic disease burden.

Significant struggle vs. Texas average

Starr County's 73.9-year life expectancy lags Texas's 74.3-year average, while its 37.8% poor/fair health rate far exceeds state typical experience. This combination places it among Texas's most challenged counties for population health.

Worst health outcomes regionally

Starr County faces the region's steepest health burdens, with the lowest life expectancy and highest poor/fair health rate among all nearby counties. Its 37.8% poor/fair rate dwarfs neighboring Shelby County (26.4%), underscoring urgent local health needs.

Limited providers, high uninsured rate

Starr County has only 26 primary care providers and 32 mental health providers per 100K—well below state capacity—leaving gaps in accessible care. With 25% uninsured, one in four residents cannot afford preventive or routine treatment, worsening health outcomes.

Insurance is healthcare lifeline

Starr County's health crisis demands urgent action: 25% uninsured means many skip preventive care that could prevent disease. Apply for Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace coverage immediately at Healthcare.gov—getting insured can be the first step toward reversing this county's troubling health trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Starr County, TX?
Starr County has a health score of 12/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #200 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 Starr County?
Life expectancy in Starr County is 73.9 years. The Texas state average is 74.3 years, making Starr County below the state average.
How does Starr County health compare to the Texas average?
Starr County's health score of 12/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. Life expectancy is 73.9 years vs. the state average of 74.3 years. The uninsured rate is 25.0% vs. 19.8% statewide.
What health factors affect Starr County?
Key health factors for Starr County include: life expectancy (73.9 years), uninsured rate (25.0%), and primary care physician access (26:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 32:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Starr County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 12/100 ("Below Average"), Starr County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Texas. Residents have a life expectancy of 73.9 years. 25.0% 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 Starr County?
Starr County's health score of 12/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. The uninsured rate of 25.0% 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.