47453, Owensburg, Indiana Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 47453, Owensburg, Indiana is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.50 percent of residents in 47453 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Indiana University Health Bedford Hospital with a distance of 13.83 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Owensburg (ZIP Code 47453)

Owensburg, Indiana, nestled in the heart of rural Greene County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 47453, provides an 'Overall Health Score' based on the ease and efficiency of transportation to medical facilities. The score considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing/medical transport availability, painting a picture for those considering **moving to Owensburg** and prioritizing their **healthcare access**.

The primary factor influencing the health score is the geographical isolation. Owensburg lacks a local hospital or major medical center. Residents rely on facilities in surrounding towns, primarily Bloomington, Bedford, and Linton. This necessitates travel, making **transportation** the linchpin of healthcare accessibility. The score will reflect the challenges and opportunities this presents.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

The most common mode of transportation for healthcare in Owensburg is the personal vehicle. The primary route to Bloomington, the most significant healthcare hub, involves navigating Indiana State Road 54 (SR-54) east. This two-lane highway, while scenic, can experience congestion, particularly during peak hours and inclement weather. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within Bloomington.

Alternative routes exist, such as utilizing SR-58 east to SR-37 south, but these often add time and distance. SR-37, a major north-south artery, can also experience heavy traffic, especially during the morning and evening commutes. The condition of these roadways, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety, further affecting the overall health score.

Travel to Bedford, approximately 25 miles south, via SR-54 and SR-37, takes around 40-50 minutes. Linton, to the west, is a shorter journey, roughly 20-30 minutes via SR-54 and SR-59. These drive times, while manageable, require careful planning and consideration of potential delays. The absence of immediate medical care necessitates preparedness for any health emergencies.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Owensburg and the surrounding areas. The Bloomington Transit (BT) system, while comprehensive within the city limits, does not extend service to Owensburg. The availability of public transit is a critical factor in assessing **healthcare access** for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

There is no fixed-route bus service connecting Owensburg to healthcare facilities in Bloomington, Bedford, or Linton. This severely restricts **transportation** options for those who rely on public transit. The absence of public transportation significantly lowers the overall health score, particularly for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

Furthermore, the lack of ADA-accessible public transit further compounds the challenges for individuals with disabilities. Without accessible options, the ability to reach medical appointments becomes severely compromised. This highlights a significant gap in **healthcare access** for a vulnerable population.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Bloomington, but their presence in Owensburg is less consistent. Availability can be sporadic, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments requires advance planning and a degree of uncertainty.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, but their response times can be affected by the distance to the nearest hospital. NEMT providers, like First Transit or LogistiCare, offer scheduled transportation for medical appointments. However, eligibility requirements, scheduling limitations, and potential wait times can impact their effectiveness.

The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport can also be a barrier to **healthcare access**, especially for individuals with limited incomes. The financial burden of transportation adds another layer of complexity to accessing medical care. The reliance on these services, while offering a crucial lifeline, does not fully compensate for the lack of readily available public transit.

**Overall Health Score: A Concluding Assessment**

Considering the factors discussed, the 'Overall Health Score' for **commute to healthcare** in ZIP code 47453 is moderately low. The score reflects the challenges posed by geographical isolation, limited public transit, and the reliance on personal vehicles and potentially unreliable ride-sharing services.

The primary strength lies in the relatively short drive times to nearby healthcare facilities. However, the absence of public transit and the potential for transportation delays due to weather or traffic significantly detract from the score. The reliance on personal vehicles and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport further exacerbate the situation.

For individuals **moving to Owensburg**, this score highlights the importance of considering **healthcare access** as a crucial factor in their decision. Careful planning, understanding the limitations of available transportation options, and potentially exploring alternative living arrangements closer to healthcare facilities are essential.

The overall health score underscores the need for improved **transportation** solutions to enhance **healthcare access** for residents of Owensburg. This could involve advocating for expanded public transit options, supporting the development of community-based transportation programs, or exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to ensure reliable and affordable access to medical care. Until these improvements are realized, residents of Owensburg will continue to face challenges in accessing the healthcare they need.