Wheeler County Health Data

Wheeler County, Texas

Health Score

11/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

71.3 yr

Uninsured Rate

25.7%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

71.3 yr

State avg 74.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

25.7%

State avg 19.8%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

20

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

83

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Wheeler County, Texas

Wheeler faces significant longevity gap

At 71.3 years, Wheeler County residents live roughly 8 years less than the U.S. average of 79.3 years, placing the county among the nation's lowest life expectancy zones. Nearly one in four adults (23.6%) report poor or fair health, nearly matching the national rate of 21%.

Texas's shortest life expectancy county

Wheeler County's 71.3-year life expectancy is the lowest in Texas, trailing the state average of 74.3 years by 3 years. This dramatic gap signals deep health system challenges and population health risks that demand immediate attention.

Among the region's most struggling counties

Wheeler County (71.3 years) ranks lowest among its peers, including Wharton (73.7), Wichita (73.0), and Wilbarger (71.4) counties. Only Winkler County (71.2) comes close, and both face similar rural healthcare constraints and aging populations.

High uninsured rate, sparse primary care

Wheeler County has the highest uninsured rate in this group at 25.7%—nearly 6 percentage points above the state average of 19.8%—while primary care providers number just 20 per 100,000 residents. Mental health providers are relatively available at 83 per 100,000, but gaps in primary and preventive care leave many without routine healthcare access.

Insurance is a first step to better health

With one in four residents uninsured, Wheeler County residents can't afford to delay—visit Healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to compare plans and find subsidies. Local health centers and county offices also offer free enrollment help to get coverage in place.

eHealth Insurance

Compare health insurance plans from top carriers for Wheeler 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 Wheeler County, TX?
Wheeler County has a health score of 11/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #205 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 Wheeler County?
Life expectancy in Wheeler County is 71.3 years. The Texas state average is 74.3 years, making Wheeler County below the state average.
How does Wheeler County health compare to the Texas average?
Wheeler County's health score of 11/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. Life expectancy is 71.3 years vs. the state average of 74.3 years. The uninsured rate is 25.7% vs. 19.8% statewide.
What health factors affect Wheeler County?
Key health factors for Wheeler County include: life expectancy (71.3 years), uninsured rate (25.7%), and primary care physician access (20:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 83:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Wheeler County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 11/100 ("Below Average"), Wheeler County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Texas. Residents have a life expectancy of 71.3 years. 25.7% 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 Wheeler County?
Wheeler County's health score of 11/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. The uninsured rate of 25.7% 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.