Community Health > Community Data
Whitman County Public Health (WCPH) is pleased to present our fourth annual Annual Health Summary. Whitman County and the health status of the community are constantly in flux. Health needs change from year to year.
Health Snapshot
The Health Snapshot compares key health measures from Whitman County and national targets set by Healthy People 2030, a federal initiative focused on improving the health and well-being of all Americans.
Previous Year
Current Year
3
2.5
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have consistently met the target.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Homicides per 100,000 people
Source — National Vital Statistics System
Note: 2025 data is represented from August 2024 to July 2025
Target - 5 per 100,000 or lower ↓
25
19.1
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have met the target
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 people
Source — National Vital Statistics System
Note: 2025 data is represented from June 2024 to May 2025
Target - 20 per 100,000 or lower ↓
19.4
25
How is Whitman County Doing?
Our death by suicide rates are higher than the target, and we are not improving in this area.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Suicides per 100,000 people
Source — National Vital Statistics System
Note: 2025 data is represented from August 2024 to July 2025
Target - 12 per 100,000 or lower ↓
45.6%
49.7%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We've improved since 2018, but our progress is inconsistent. We have not met the target.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of persons (over 6 months) were vaccinated against seasonal influenza forthe flu season
Source — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Target - 70% or higher ↑
13.8%
15.6%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have not met the target, and are not improving.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of households were food insecure
Target - 6% or lower ↓
94.5%
97.1%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We’ve been improving in this area since 2020,and have met the target.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of persons (under 65 years) that hadmedical insurance
Source — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Target - 92% or higher ↑
76%
66.2%
How is Whitman County Doing?
While we met the target, we got worse in thisarea between 2020 and 2022.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of children, adolescents, and adults whouse the oral health care system
WCPH Measure
When exact Whitman County data wasn't available, similar measures were used. The graph reflects this data.
Percentage of adults (18+ years) indicating thatthey had a dental visit in the last year
Source — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Target - 45% or higher ↑
Previous Year
Current Year
5.3
2.6
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have inconsistently met the target in this area.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Infant deaths per 1,000 within the first year of life
Source — Infant Mortality Module
Target - 5 per 1,000 or lower ↓
13.3%
2.5%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We’ve improved a lot in this area and havemet the target.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of students in grades 6-12 used smoking and vaping products in the past 30 days
WCPH Measure
When exact Whitman County data wasn't available, similar measures were used. The graph reflects this data.
Percentage of 10th grade youth who used an electronic cigarette product in the past 30 days
Target - 11% or lower ↓
69%
70%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have met the target.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of adolescents (12-17 years) with Major Depressive Episodes who received treatment
WCPH Measure
When exact Whitman County data wasn't available, similar measures were used. The graph reflects this data.
Percentage of Medicaid clients (6-17 years) with mental health needs who received care
Source — Healthier Washington Dashboard
Target - 46% or higher ↑
63.5%
58.1%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have met the target, but have not recovered after a large drop after 2019.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Increase the proportion of 4th-graders with reading skills at or above the proficient level
Source — Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Note: Districts with fewer than ten 4th grade students excluded to protect individual privacy.
Target - 41% or higher ↑
Previous Year
Current Year
39%
34%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have not met the target, and we have a long way to go.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of adults (50-75 years) received a colorectal cancer screening based on the most recent guidelines
WCPH Measure
When exact Whitman County data wasn't available, similar measures were used. The graph reflects this data.
Percentage of Medicaid clients (50-75 years) who had appropriate screening for colorectal cancer
Target - 74% or higher ↑
5.9%
12.5%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We did not meet the target, and we are not improving consistently over time.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of adults (18+ years) that were current cigarette smokers
Source — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Target - 6% or lower ↓
17.1%
16.5%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We met the target.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of adults (18+ years) meeting physical activity and muscle-strengthening guidelines
WCPH Measure
When exact Whitman County data wasn't available, similar measures were used. The graph reflects this data.
Percentage of adults (20+ years) who are physically inactive
Source — US Diabetes Surveillance System
Target - 29% or lower ↓
96.4%
95.9%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We met the target and are consistently strong in this area.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percent of the working-age population (ages 16-64) that were employed
Source — United States Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Note: Students are not considered to be in the labor market and are not included in this measure.
Target - 75% or higher ↑
17.5%
22%
How is Whitman County Doing?
Although we met the target, we are getting worse in this area over time.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Adults (21+ years) engaging in binge drinking of alcoholic beverages during the past 30 days
Source — Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Target - 25% or lower ↓
6.9
6.4
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have not met the target, and we have a ways to go.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
New cases of diabetes per 1,000 adults aged (18-84 years) occurred in the past 12 months
Source — US Diabetes Surveillance System
Target - 4 per 1,000 or lower ↓
Health Priority Data
The 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) identified three key health priorities for Whitman County: Mental & Behavioral Health, Standard of Living, and Preventive Care. We’re sharing updated data and highlighting inspiring community initiatives that are making a difference in addressing these needs.
Health Priority Data
Mental and behavioral health is a top community health need. Find updated data below to see how we are doing as a community in meeting this need.
Previous Year
Current Year
19.4
25
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have a higher rate of suicides than the state.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Suicides per 100,000 people
Source — National Vital Statistics System
81.1
112.9
How is Whitman County Doing?
Our hospitalizations due to mental illness are consistently well below the state.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Hospitalizations due to mental illness per 100,000 people
Source — Comprehensive Hospitalization Abstract Reporting System
59%
60%
How is Whitman County Doing?
Getting mental health treatment for those who need it is consistently better than the state.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of Medicaid clients with a mental health need receiving treatment
32%
32%
How is Whitman County Doing?
Slightly more people with substance use disorder are receiving treatment, but still less than the state.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of Medicaid beneficiaries with substance use disorder treated
7.4%
7.1%
How is Whitman County Doing?
Risky prescribing in Whitman County is consistently worse than the state, but gradually improving.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of Medicaid clients prescribed opioids with sedatives
4.9%
4.2%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have worse percentages of high-dose chronic opioid therapy than the state, but improving.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of Medicaid beneficiaries on chronic opioid therapy ≥50mg morphine
Community Priority Needs
This spring, the Whitman Recovery Community Center (WRCC) opened in downtown Pullman, creating a much-needed hub for support and connection.
Resilient operates the Community Response Team (CRT), a volunteer-led, community-based program serving Whitman County that is trained in suicide prevention, intervention, and crisis response.
Health Priority Data
Mental and behavioral health is a top community health need. Find updated data below to see how we are doing as a community in meeting this need.
Previous Year
Current Year
11.7%
12.9%
How is Whitman County Doing?
Our number of families in poverty is consistently higher than the state.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of families with children in poverty
9.7%
11%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We have a growing percentage of seniors in poverty.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of older adults (65+ years) in poverty
9.2%
10.1%
How is Whitman County Doing?
The number of Whitman County households receiving food stamps is steadily increasing.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of households receiving Food Stamps/SNAP in last 12 months
1.6%
1.5%
How is Whitman County Doing?
After 2019, child homelessness increased, but remains lower than the state.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of children in public schools who are homeless
Source — WA Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
28%
24%
How is Whitman County Doing?
Child care costs are significantly higher in Whitman County compared to the state.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of median income spent on child care
Community Priority Needs
Community Child Care Center (CCCC) supports early childhood development through high-quality education, care, and family partnerships.
The Palouse Resource Guide connects individuals and families with community resource navigators who provide one-on-one support in finding and accessing services.
Health Priority Data
Mental and behavioral health is a top community health need. Find updated data below to see how we are doing as a community in meeting this need.
Previous Year
Current Year
39%
34%
How is Whitman County Doing?
We saw improvements in screening rates for colorectal cancer and outperform the state.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of Medicaid clients (50-75 years) screened for colorectal cancer
50%
45%
How is Whitman County Doing?
Whitman County has seen recent gains in mammograms.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of Medicaid females (50-74 years) who had a mammogram
36%
39%
How is Whitman County Doing?
Rates of cervical cancer screenings in Whitman County are consistently lower than the state.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of Medicaid women (21-64 years) screened for cervical cancer
39%
25%
How is Whitman County Doing?
Youth receiving annual checkups in Whitman County dropped sharply in 2024.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of Medicaid clients (3-21 years) with at least one well-care visit
32%
33%
How is Whitman County Doing?
As of 2020, Whitman County lags behind the state in annual checkups for older adults.
Healthy People 2030 Measure
For most measures, Whitman County data aligns with the
Healthy People 2030
measures, a federal initiative to improve Americans' health and well-being.
Percentage of Medicare clients with an annual wellness visit
Community Priority Needs
This year, Whitman County Public Health partnered with the Family Medicine Residency Center to expand access to sports physicals in Colfax, Colton, Endicott, and Pullman.
Wil Edwards, owner and head pharmacist of Sid’s Pharmacy has played a key role in increasing vaccine access across Whitman County, particularly in rural and underserved areas, through walk-in services and long-running mobile vaccination clinics.
Serve as a data resource for community-based organizations, health care systems, and agencies make plans to meet health needs in Whitman County;
Highlight great work community members are doing to respond to identified health needs;
Identify any new Whitman County health needs the data show are emerging when compared with Healthy People 2030 targets.