Ward County Health Data

Ward County, Texas

Health Score

11/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.3 yr

Uninsured Rate

23.3%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.3 yr

State avg 74.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

23.3%

State avg 19.8%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

9

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

18

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Ward County, Texas

Lowest life expectancy in the region

Ward County residents live to just 72.3 years on average, more than two years below the U.S. median of 74.5 years. Over 1 in 4 (26.1%) report poor or fair health, well above the national average and signaling serious daily health challenges across the population.

Significantly behind Texas averages

At 72.3 years, Ward County's life expectancy falls 2 years short of Texas's 74.3-year average—the lowest in this eight-county group. The uninsured rate of 23.3% markedly exceeds the state average of 19.8%, making access to care a critical barrier for Ward residents.

Worst health outcomes in peer group

Ward's 72.3-year life expectancy ranks lowest by far; the next-lowest peer is Van Zandt at 73.8 years. The 23.3% uninsured rate also trails only Webb County (27.1%) among these eight counties, compounding healthcare access challenges.

Severe shortage of healthcare providers

Ward has just 9 primary care providers per 100,000—roughly one-sixth of the national standard—leaving residents with few local options for basic care. Mental health support is critically scarce at 18 per 100,000, the lowest among all eight counties, leaving vulnerable populations with minimal access to behavioral health services.

Insurance access is urgent priority

Nearly 1 in 4 Ward County residents lack health insurance, making coverage critical for preventing illness and managing existing conditions. Contact a local health navigator or visit Healthcare.gov immediately to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health resources available to you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Ward County, TX?
Ward County has a health score of 11/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #211 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 Ward County?
Life expectancy in Ward County is 72.3 years. The Texas state average is 74.3 years, making Ward County below the state average.
How does Ward County health compare to the Texas average?
Ward County's health score of 11/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. Life expectancy is 72.3 years vs. the state average of 74.3 years. The uninsured rate is 23.3% vs. 19.8% statewide.
What health factors affect Ward County?
Key health factors for Ward County include: life expectancy (72.3 years), uninsured rate (23.3%), and primary care physician access (9:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 18:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Ward County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 11/100 ("Below Average"), Ward County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Texas. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.3 years. 23.3% 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 Ward County?
Ward County's health score of 11/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. The uninsured rate of 23.3% 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.