44706, Canton, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44706, Canton, Ohio is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.81 percent of residents in 44706 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.59 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Aultman Hospital with a distance of 1.88 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Canton, OH (ZIP Code 44706)

Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is crucial for overall well-being, particularly when considering a move. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Canton, Ohio's 44706 ZIP code, focusing on the accessibility of medical facilities. We'll examine the various transportation options available, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare access. This score will help prospective residents evaluate the practicality of their healthcare needs in relation to the available transportation infrastructure.

The 44706 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Canton, presents a mixed bag of healthcare access challenges and opportunities. While the city boasts several medical facilities, the effectiveness of reaching them depends heavily on transportation. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport to gauge the ease with which residents can obtain necessary medical care. The goal is to offer a realistic assessment for anyone contemplating moving to Canton.

**Drive Time and Road Infrastructure**

The cornerstone of transportation in 44706 is the personal vehicle. The primary arteries for navigating the area are Interstate 77 (I-77) and U.S. Route 62 (US-62). I-77 provides north-south connectivity, while US-62, also known as Tuscarawas Street, runs east-west. These highways are vital for reaching larger medical centers, such as Aultman Hospital and Mercy Medical Center, both located outside the immediate 44706 area but easily accessible by car.

Drive times vary depending on the destination and time of day. Rush hour, typically between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM and again from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, can significantly increase travel times, especially on I-77. During peak hours, a trip to Aultman Hospital from the heart of 44706 could take 20-30 minutes, while a non-peak time could be closer to 15 minutes. Similarly, reaching Mercy Medical Center might take 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Navigating city streets like Cleveland Avenue and Market Avenue also requires careful planning, as congestion can occur.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) provides public transportation within Canton and the surrounding areas. However, the public transit network in 44706 presents limitations for healthcare access. While SARTA offers several routes that traverse the ZIP code, frequency and coverage can be inconsistent. This is a critical factor in the overall health score.

Several SARTA routes serve the 44706 area, including routes 1, 2, and 3. These routes primarily operate along major thoroughfares, providing access to some medical facilities. However, the frequency of these routes can be a significant barrier. Waiting times between buses can be lengthy, potentially making trips to medical appointments time-consuming and stressful. Furthermore, the routes may not directly serve all healthcare providers, necessitating transfers and increasing travel time.

SARTA does offer ADA-accessible services for individuals with disabilities. These services, including lift-equipped buses and paratransit options, are crucial for ensuring healthcare access for all residents. However, the availability of these services requires advance booking, which can be a challenge for urgent medical needs. The limited coverage and frequency of SARTA routes, coupled with the need for pre-planning for ADA services, impacts the overall score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option in Canton. Their availability can be a boon for healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. However, the reliability of ride-sharing services can be inconsistent, especially during peak hours or in areas with lower demand. Surge pricing can also make ride-sharing an expensive option for routine medical appointments.

Specialized medical transport services, such as those provided by local ambulance companies and private transportation providers, cater to individuals with specific medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door transportation and are equipped to handle patients with mobility limitations or medical conditions requiring specialized care. However, these services typically come at a higher cost than public transit or ride-sharing, making them less accessible for some residents.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in 44706 is moderately impacted by transportation. While the presence of major highways like I-77 and US-62 facilitates travel by car, the reliance on personal vehicles presents challenges for those without access to them. Public transit, while available, is limited in its coverage and frequency, making it a less-than-ideal option for many. Ride-sharing services offer a viable alternative but are subject to availability and cost fluctuations.

The score is further influenced by the availability of specialized medical transport, which caters to specific needs but is costly. This highlights the importance of considering individual circumstances when evaluating healthcare access. For those who rely on public transit or ride-sharing, careful planning and consideration of travel times are essential.

**Moving to Canton and Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Canton, the accessibility of healthcare should be a key factor in their decision-making process. The 44706 ZIP code offers a mix of healthcare options, but the ease of reaching them is significantly tied to transportation. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and preferences.

Those who rely on public transit should research SARTA routes and schedules thoroughly, accounting for potential delays and transfers. Individuals without access to a car should factor in the cost and availability of ride-sharing services. Considering proximity to healthcare facilities and the potential for traffic congestion is also crucial.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" for 44706 reflects a situation where healthcare access is achievable but requires careful planning and consideration of the available transportation options. Understanding these nuances is vital for making informed decisions about moving to Canton and ensuring access to quality healthcare. The score is not a definitive judgment but rather a guide to help individuals assess the practicality of their healthcare needs in relation to the transportation infrastructure.