28604, Banner Elk, North Carolina Overall Health Score

The Overall Health Score in 28604, Banner Elk, North Carolina is 49 out of 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.78 percent of the population in 28604 drive to work alone. 0.10 percent of the people take some form of public transportation like the bus or the train to work. Approximately 69.03 percent of the residents get to work in less than 30 minutes. 3.77 percent of the residents in 28604 get to work in more than 60 minutes. The average household size is approximately 0.86 members with about 2.08 cars available per household.

An estimate of 89.15 percent of the residents in 28604 has some form of health insurance. 38.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.61 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 28604 would have to travel an average of 7.78 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Charles A Cannon Jr Memorial Hospital . In a 20-mile radius, there are 409 healthcare providers accessible to residents in 28604, Banner Elk, North Carolina.

As of , an estimate of 7,697 residents live in 28604 with a median age of 40.7 years. 18.24 percent of the population is under the age of 18, and 24.37 percent of the population is at least 65 years of age. 40.48 percent of the residents in 28604 is currently married, and 20.11 percent of the population has never been married.

The monthly median household income in 28604 is $6,676.17. The monthly median housing costs for residents in 28604 is approximately $952. The median household spends about 14.26 percent of their income on housing.

In the picturesque region of North Carolina, where the Blue Ridge Mountains unfold their grandeur, lies the charming town of Banner Elk, identified by its ZIP Code 28604. This quaint community, rich in history and natural beauty, has become an attractive destination for many who seek a serene lifestyle coupled with the convenience of modern amenities. Among these amenities, healthcare stands out as a critical factor for anyone considering making Banner Elk their new home.

Banner Elk's history is steeped in the tapestry of Appalachian culture and tradition. Originally populated by the Cherokee Native Americans and later settled by pioneers in the 19th century, it has always been a place where resilience and community spirit are paramount. This spirit is evident in how healthcare services have evolved in Banner Elk to serve its residents effectively.

Healthcare accessibility is a crucial consideration for potential residents, especially those with long-term illnesses or disabilities. In Banner Elk, healthcare amenities are thoughtfully integrated into the community to ensure that residents receive quality care without having to travel great distances. The area is home to several primary care providers who offer a range of medical services for everyday health needs.

For more specialized medical attention, Banner Elk is within reasonable proximity to larger healthcare facilities. The closest hospital offering comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, is the Cannon Memorial Hospital located in Linville, just a short drive from Banner Elk. This hospital has been serving the community since 1947 and continues to be an essential resource for locals requiring immediate and advanced medical interventions.

In terms of unique local health initiatives, Banner Elk displays a proactive approach to wellness and preventative care. Community health programs are often organized to promote healthy lifestyles among residents. These include free health screenings, fitness classes held at local parks or community centers, and educational seminars on nutrition and chronic disease management.

Accessibility for people with disabilities is an integral part of healthcare service delivery in Banner Elk. Medical facilities in the area are equipped with features such as wheelchair ramps, accessible examination rooms, and assistive devices to accommodate patients with various needs. Additionally, local pharmacies provide convenient prescription refill services along with home delivery options for those who may have mobility challenges.

Transportation can be a significant concern when accessing healthcare services, especially in rural areas like Banner Elk. While owning a car offers the most flexibility for traveling to appointments or visiting pharmacies, not all residents may have that option available. For non-drivers or those unable to operate a vehicle due to disability or age-related reasons, there are alternative transportation solutions available.

The AppalCART public transit system serves Watauga and Avery counties with routes connecting key locations within these areas—including medical facilities near Banner Elk—providing an affordable way for residents without cars to access necessary healthcare services. Moreover, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft operate in the area as well; however availability may vary depending on time and demand.

For more extensive medical needs that cannot be met locally in Banner Elk or nearby Linville, residents often travel to larger cities such as Boone or Johnson City which offer additional hospitals and specialized treatment centers. While this does mean that some planning is needed for routine specialist visits or procedures not available locally, these cities are still relatively close by mountain standards—usually within an hour's drive from Banner Elk.

The importance of healthcare access cannot be overstated when considering relocation to any new area. In 28604—Banner Elk—prospective movers will find a supportive environment that values health and wellness highly among its priorities. Local physicians often form strong relationships with their patients due to the smaller population size leading to personalized care that can sometimes be lacking in larger urban settings.

For those looking into residential real estate in Banner Elk with healthcare as a top priority due to chronic illnesses or disability requirements—the town offers peace of mind through its array of local services and partnerships with regional healthcare providers.

In conclusion, when considering relocation from both a healthcare perspective as well as seeking quality of life amidst nature's splendor—Banner Elk presents itself as a compelling choice. With its historical roots providing a strong sense of place and identity combined with modern-day conveniences such as accessible healthcare amenities—Banner Elk stands ready to welcome new residents into its warm community embrace while ensuring their health needs are thoughtfully attended to every step of the way.