TERRY COUNTY — A newly released 2026 State of Health Report from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension paints a detailed picture of health conditions in Terry County, highlighting several areas where residents face greater challenges than both the Texas and national averages.
The report, which lists Terry County’s population at 11,720, examines health outcomes, lifestyle factors, access to health care, economic conditions and passenger safety. Among the most notable findings are higher rates of cardiovascular deaths, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, uninsured residents and children living in poverty.
Cardiovascular health and premature death remain concerns
According to the report, Terry County recorded a cardiovascular death rate of 50.1 per 10,000 residents. That compares with 33.6 in Texas and 32.5 nationwide. Cardiovascular deaths include deaths related to coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, cardiac dysrhythmia, hypertension and stroke.
The report also shows Terry County experiencing considerably more years of potential life lost before age 75. The county’s premature death figure was 1,270 years of potential life lost per 10,000 residents, compared with 800 in Texas and 810 nationally.
Diabetes is another area where Terry County exceeds state and national numbers. Approximately 15% of adults in Terry County have been diagnosed with diabetes, compared with 12% statewide and 11% nationally.
Nearly one-third report poor or fair health
Quality-of-life indicators also show challenges for Terry County residents.
About 30% of adults report being in poor or fair health, significantly higher than Texas’s 23% and the national 20%.
Mental health numbers, however, were essentially even across the board. About 19% of Terry County adults report experiencing 14 or more days of poor mental health during a month, the same percentage reported for Texas and the nation.
Obesity and physical inactivity higher locally
Nutrition and physical activity continue to be major concerns.
The report indicates 41% of Terry County adults are considered obese, compared with 38% both statewide and nationally.
Physical inactivity also stands out. Approximately 37% of adults in Terry County report no leisure-time physical activity, compared with 30% in Texas and 27% across the United States.
Terry County also received a 5.0 Food Environment Index score on a scale of zero to 10, with 10 representing the best conditions. The Texas score was 5.7, while the national score was 7.4. The index considers issues such as access to grocery stores and reliable sources of food, along with the percentage of low-income residents.
Poverty and lack of insurance remain significant issues
Economic conditions are closely tied to many of the health challenges identified in the report.
Terry County’s median household income was listed at $44,400, well below the Texas median of $75,800 and national median of $77,700.
The report shows 29% of Terry County children under age 18 live in poverty. By comparison, the figure is 18% statewide and 16% nationally.
Access to health insurance is another significant gap. About 25% of Terry County residents under age 65 are uninsured, compared with 19% across Texas and just 9% nationally.
Smoking slightly higher, excessive drinking slightly lower
About 17% of Terry County adults are current smokers, compared with 15% in Texas and 16% nationally.
Terry County did fare slightly better when it came to excessive drinking. Approximately 18% of adults reported binge or heavy drinking, compared with 19% at both the state and national levels.
Passenger safety data shows 180 crashes
The State of Health Report also included passenger safety statistics for Terry County.
According to the data presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the county recorded 180 total crashes, resulting in 72 crash-related injuries.
Prevention remains a major focus
The report emphasizes that many of the health conditions affecting communities across the country are preventable or can be better managed through healthier lifestyles and early intervention.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension notes that 90% of the nation’s approximately $4.9 trillion in health care expenditures is associated with people who largely have preventable chronic diseases and mental health conditions. The report also states that at least seven of the 10 leading causes of death in Texas and the United States are chronic diseases.
Nutrition, regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use, and receiving routine health screenings are among the preventative measures highlighted.
For Terry County, the numbers point to several interconnected challenges. Higher rates of obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes and cardiovascular deaths are occurring alongside lower household incomes, higher childhood poverty and a greater percentage of residents without health insurance.
At the same time, the report provides local organizations, health care providers and community leaders with measurable areas on which to focus as they work to improve the overall health and quality of life of Terry County residents.
For additional information, residents can contact Ann Millican, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health Agent, at 806-637-4060.
Source: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 2026 State of Health Report for Terry County, with data cited from CDC resources, County Health Rankings and Texas Department of Transportation sources.
