Life Expectancy
Life expectancy at birth in Iowa was 78.1 years, per CDC data.
Age-adjusted death rate, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017), all causes, age-adjusted.
Total deaths, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy | 78.1 | 78.4 |
- •Life expectancy in Iowa varies notably across counties and demographic groups.
Healthcare Access
94.9% of Iowa residents had health insurance coverage in 2023, served by 118 hospitals statewide.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Insured Rate | 94.9 | 92.5 |
- •Iowa's hospital network includes both urban medical centers and rural critical access facilities.
Hospitals
Iowa has about 118 hospitals, most of them rural critical-access facilities.
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU19000006562000001).
Insurance Coverage
94.9% of Iowa residents had health insurance in 2023, compared with 92.5% nationally.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Insured Rate | 94.9 | 92.5 |
- •Medicaid expansion has played a role in boosting insurance coverage rates in Iowa.
Obesity
36.9% of adults in Iowa were classified as obese in 2023, per CDC BRFSS data.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Obesity Rate | 36.9 | 32 |
- •Obesity rates in Iowa are tracked annually through the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Public Health Indicators
Iowa's public health profile includes a life expectancy of 78.1 years and an adult obesity rate of 36.9%.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy | 78.1 | 78.4 |
| Adult Obesity Rate | 36.9 | 32 |
- •Iowa public health agencies track these indicators annually to guide policy.