Willacy County Health Data

Willacy County, Texas

Health Score

10/100

Below Avg

Life Expectancy

72.8 yr

Uninsured Rate

21.6%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

72.8 yr

State avg 74.3 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

21.6%

State avg 19.8%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

39

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

45

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Willacy County, Texas

Willacy faces the nation's worst health trends

At 72.8 years, Willacy County life expectancy trails the U.S. average by 6.5 years, but the real crisis is that 36.8% of adults report poor or fair health—far exceeding the national rate of 21%. This indicates severe, widespread health challenges affecting the population's daily quality of life.

Worst health outcomes in this Texas cohort

Willacy County's 72.8-year life expectancy is below Texas's average of 74.3 years, but its 36.8% poor/fair health rate is the worst among all counties examined here. The 21.6% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average, compounding access barriers.

Willacy significantly outpaced by all peers

Willacy County's 36.8% poor/fair health rate dwarfs that of all neighbors—Wharton (24.0%), Wheeler (23.6%), Wichita (20.6%), and even struggling Wilbarger (27.3%). Only Willacy and Winkler have life expectancies in the 71–72 year range, but Willacy's health perception is markedly worse.

Critical provider and coverage gaps

Willacy County has just 39 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and only 45 mental health providers per 100,000—the lowest mental health density in this group—leaving residents with minimal support for chronic disease and mental health crises. The 21.6% uninsured rate means over one-fifth lack any healthcare access.

Enrollment is urgent for your health

With the highest poor/fair health rate in the region and over one in five uninsured, Willacy County residents must prioritize enrollment—call 1-800-318-2596 or visit Healthcare.gov today. Medicaid expansion coverage and marketplace subsidies can provide immediate access to preventive care and chronic disease management.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Willacy County, TX?
Willacy County has a health score of 10/100, rated "Below Average." It ranks #221 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 Willacy County?
Life expectancy in Willacy County is 72.8 years. The Texas state average is 74.3 years, making Willacy County below the state average.
How does Willacy County health compare to the Texas average?
Willacy County's health score of 10/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. Life expectancy is 72.8 years vs. the state average of 74.3 years. The uninsured rate is 21.6% vs. 19.8% statewide.
What health factors affect Willacy County?
Key health factors for Willacy County include: life expectancy (72.8 years), uninsured rate (21.6%), and primary care physician access (39:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 45:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Willacy County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 10/100 ("Below Average"), Willacy County faces health challenges compared to other counties in Texas. Residents have a life expectancy of 72.8 years. 21.6% 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 Willacy County?
Willacy County's health score of 10/100 is below the Texas average of 25/100. The uninsured rate of 21.6% 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.