Where South Fork residents get care
CDC publishes only some of its health estimates for South Fork, not the seven a Health Grade needs; here is what we do have.
Modeled estimates for adults 18+, CDC’s own estimate for South Fork. How CDC estimates town health
What stands out about health in South Fork
COPD, heart disease and stroke run high in South Fork
1 in 6 adults have COPD (15.6%), about twice the Missouri rate. 1 in 9 adults have heart disease (11.6%), vs 6.8% across Missouri. Stroke is also above the state: 6.1%, vs 3.6% across Missouri. In all, South Fork runs above Missouri on eight of 11 chronic conditions. Conditions ↓
Dental care lags in South Fork
46% of adults saw a dentist this year, vs 60.4% across Missouri. Among those 65 and older, 24.1% have lost all their teeth (Missouri 15.8%). Checkups ↓
Making ends meet is harder in South Fork
1 in 5 adults worry about having enough food (21.8%), vs 13.7% across Missouri. Utility shut-off threats (13.2% vs 9%) and no reliable transportation (11.6% vs 8.4%) are higher too. 22.5% of adults receive SNAP, vs 10.8% statewide. Everyday needs ↓
Written from the CDC, Medicare and HRSA data on this page. CDC PLACES 2025 release: modeled estimates for adults, not counts; “higher” and “lower” mean the Missouri figure falls outside South Fork’s likely range.
Out of every 100 South Fork adults…
South Fork runs above MO on 11 of 12 conditions. Tap one to see it as people.
Keeping up with care
Share of South Fork adults getting routine care. The full ring is 100%; the dark tick marks Missouri.
Making ends meet
Needs that shape health as much as any doctor visit: food, housing, utilities and a way to get around.
22.5% of South Fork adults receive SNAP (food stamps), compared with 10.8% across Missouri.
Care in and near South Fork
No hospital or community health center in South Fork itself. These are the nearest.
Hospitals: Medicare overall star ratings, 1–5. Community health centers charge on a sliding scale by income. Distances are straight-line from the center of South Fork; ≈ marks a hospital located by its town, not its street. Shortage areas: HRSA Health Professional Shortage Areas (a “population” designation covers specific residents, such as those with low incomes).
Everyday habits, side by side with Missouri
Share of adults, with the Missouri figure marked.
Walk with neighbors
The easiest exercise habit to keep is one with company.
How South Fork adults are doing
On 1 of 4 measures, South Fork runs above Missouri.
3 in 10 South Fork adults feel lonely. A hello is a start.
Groups are the easiest way in: a walking group, a book club, your street.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, confidential and open 24/7.
South Fork and the towns around it
How health changes across the town line.
Health next door
| Town | Health | Obesity | Diabetes | Smoking | Figures from |
|---|
Same-state neighbors only, ordered by length of shared border.
Living with a disability
Shown without a better/worse judgment.
of South Fork adults live with a disability (Missouri 36.2%). Walking or climbing stairs is the most common.
Questions about health in South Fork
Why doesn’t South Fork have a Health Grade?
Every Health Grade is built from seven of CDC’s PLACES estimates, and CDC doesn’t publish all seven for South Fork.
What hospital is closest to South Fork?
Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains, 8.1 miles in a straight line from South Fork’s center point, is the nearest general hospital with an emergency room. Medicare rates it 2 of 5 stars.
Where can I get low-cost care near South Fork?
2 community health center sites are within 10 miles; the nearest is Smchc Support Site: 1113-1119 Independence Drive in West Plains, 8.8 miles away. They charge on a sliding scale by income.
Neighbors talk health
Doctors taking patients, urgent care, staying active in South Fork.
Health estimates: CDC PLACES: Local Data for Better Health, 2025 release. The Missouri figure combines its counties, weighted by adult population. Hospitals and star ratings: Medicare Care Compare (CMS). Health centers and shortage areas: HRSA. Ages: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey. Town boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau. This page isn’t medical advice. In an emergency, call 911.