34981, Fort Pierce, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 34981, Fort Pierce, Florida is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.35 percent of residents in 34981 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Lawnwood Hospital with a distance of 2.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 34981

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access is a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating a move to Fort Pierce, Florida, specifically within the 34981 ZIP code. This assessment delves into the complexities of transportation options, weighing drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services to provide an overall health score, a snapshot of the ease with which residents can reach vital medical services. The score will consider the crucial aspect of transportation as a primary factor influencing healthcare access.

The 34981 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Fort Pierce, presents a mixed bag of transportation challenges and opportunities. The area's relative sprawl necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for many residents. Understanding the dynamics of this transportation landscape is paramount in evaluating healthcare access. The following analysis will consider the most common routes to major healthcare facilities.

Driving, the dominant mode of transportation, presents its own set of considerations. The primary artery for north-south travel is US-1, a busy thoroughfare that can experience significant congestion during peak hours. Drive times to healthcare facilities along US-1 will fluctuate based on traffic flow. For example, a trip to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, located south of the 34981 ZIP code, may take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

East-west travel is primarily facilitated by Okeechobee Road (State Road 70), a major thoroughfare connecting the coast to the interior. Healthcare facilities located west of the 34981 ZIP code, such as the Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital in Port St. Lucie, will necessitate travel on Okeechobee Road, potentially adding considerable time to the commute. The condition of these roads, including potholes and construction, can also impact travel times.

The presence of side streets and local roads, such as Edwards Road and Indian River Drive, provides alternative routes, but these typically add to the overall travel time. These roads may also lack adequate lighting and pedestrian infrastructure, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. The impact of these factors must be considered when evaluating the overall health score.

Public transportation options within the 34981 ZIP code are limited. The St. Lucie County Transit System (SLCTS) offers bus services, but the routes and frequency may not adequately serve all areas. The primary routes serving the area are likely to be Route 1 and Route 2, which run along US-1 and Okeechobee Road, respectively. These routes may offer limited access to healthcare facilities, and the frequency of service may not be ideal for urgent medical needs.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the SLCTS buses is a crucial factor. All SLCTS buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the distance between bus stops and healthcare facilities, coupled with the limited frequency of service, can still pose challenges for those with mobility limitations. This aspect of healthcare access is a significant consideration.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. These services are readily available within the 34981 ZIP code, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited financial resources. The reliability of these services, especially during peak hours or inclement weather, is also a consideration.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available for those with specific needs. These services are typically reserved for patients with mobility limitations or medical conditions that prevent them from driving or using public transportation. The availability and cost of these services are factors that affect the overall health score.

The availability of healthcare facilities within the 34981 ZIP code is also an important consideration. While the area has a number of primary care physicians and specialists, the availability of specialized care may be limited. Residents may need to travel to other areas, such as Port St. Lucie or Vero Beach, to access certain medical services. This further underscores the importance of transportation options.

The overall health score for the 34981 ZIP code reflects a mixed picture. While the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport provides some options, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation pose significant challenges. The potential for traffic congestion on major roadways and the limited availability of specialized healthcare services further impact the score.

For those considering moving to Fort Pierce, the 34981 ZIP code presents a nuanced landscape. Understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities is essential for making an informed decision. Potential residents should carefully assess their healthcare needs and their ability to access medical services given the available transportation options. The overall health score should be considered in conjunction with other factors, such as housing costs, employment opportunities, and quality of life.

The final score will be a reflection of the ease with which residents can access healthcare facilities. It will consider the drive times to major hospitals and clinics, the availability and frequency of public transportation, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transport. The score will also factor in the presence of healthcare facilities within the ZIP code and the need to travel to other areas for specialized care.

The overall health score will be influenced by the ease of access to healthcare, which is significantly impacted by transportation. The score will also consider the accessibility of the available options for people with disabilities. The evaluation will also consider the cost-effectiveness of the options. The overall health score will be a crucial indicator for anyone moving to Fort Pierce.