Rusk County Health Data

Rusk County, Wisconsin

Health Score

62/100

Average

Life Expectancy

76.3 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.9%

Health Statistics

Life Expectancy

76.3 yr

State avg 77.8 yr

National avg 77.5 yr

Uninsured Rate

7.9%

State avg 7.0%

National avg 9%

Primary Care Providers

50

per 100K population

National avg 82

Mental Health Providers

71

per 100K population

National avg 350

Data Story

About Health in Rusk County, Wisconsin

Rusk County's life expectancy falls short

At 76.3 years, Rusk County residents live 1.5 years below the U.S. average, with 17.4% reporting poor or fair health above national norms. This combination signals concentrated health challenges likely tied to occupational hazards, limited economic mobility, and healthcare access barriers.

Below state average with high uninsured

Rusk County's 76.3-year life expectancy trails Wisconsin's 77.8-year average by 1.5 years, while its 7.9% uninsured rate—tied for highest in the region—exceeds the state's 7.0% norm by nearly 1 percentage point. Both metrics signal health vulnerability concentrated among the county's most economically stressed residents.

Rural disadvantages compound challenges

Rusk County's 76.3-year life expectancy matches Rock County but trails Portage by nearly 3 years, while its mental health provider density at 71 per 100K is the lowest in the region. With 7.9% uninsured and 50 primary care providers per 100K, residents face both affordability and access barriers.

Rural poverty and care gaps converge

Rusk County's 7.9% uninsured rate affects roughly 1,300 residents who likely delay seeking care due to cost fears, worsening outcomes for treatable conditions. Mental health support at 71 providers per 100K is well below regional averages, leaving many residents without local access to behavioral health services.

Coverage can transform health

In rural Rusk County, being uninsured often means avoiding care entirely—even for serious symptoms—because the costs feel impossible to manage. Wisconsin Medicaid and ACA plans with subsidies make coverage affordable; visit HealthCare.gov or your county health department today to enroll and protect your family.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the health ranking of Rusk County, WI?
Rusk County has a health score of 62/100, rated "Average." It ranks #57 out of 72 counties in Wisconsin (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 Rusk County?
Life expectancy in Rusk County is 76.3 years. The Wisconsin state average is 77.8 years, making Rusk County below the state average.
How does Rusk County health compare to the Wisconsin average?
Rusk County's health score of 62/100 is below the Wisconsin average of 74/100. Life expectancy is 76.3 years vs. the state average of 77.8 years. The uninsured rate is 7.9% vs. 7.0% statewide.
What health factors affect Rusk County?
Key health factors for Rusk County include: life expectancy (76.3 years), uninsured rate (7.9%), and primary care physician access (50:1 (population to primary care physicians)). Mental health provider access is 71:1 population-to-provider ratio. These metrics are sourced from the CDC County Health Rankings & Roadmaps program.
Is Rusk County a healthy place to live?
With a health score of 62/100 ("Average"), Rusk County has average health outcomes compared to other counties in Wisconsin. Residents have a life expectancy of 76.3 years. 7.9% 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 Rusk County?
Rusk County's health score of 62/100 is below the Wisconsin average of 74/100. 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.