29924, Hampton, South Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 29924, Hampton, South Carolina is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.71 percent of residents in 29924 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hampton Regional Medical Center with a distance of 1.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 29924

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare accessibility within ZIP Code 29924, a region that encompasses Hampton, South Carolina, and its surrounding areas. The score considers the multifaceted challenges and opportunities presented by transportation options, crucial for residents seeking timely and reliable healthcare access. Understanding these dynamics is paramount for anyone considering moving to Hampton, as it directly impacts their well-being.

The score is derived from an assessment of various factors, including drive times to medical facilities, the availability and efficiency of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the availability of specialized medical transportation. Each category is evaluated based on its impact on a resident's ability to reach necessary healthcare services, ultimately influencing their overall health and quality of life.

**Drive Times and Road Network**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in 29924 is, undeniably, the personal vehicle. The road network, while offering a degree of mobility, presents its own set of challenges. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare facilities are US-601, SC-363, and SC-68. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, particularly in and around Hampton.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals and clinics are a critical component of the health score. Hampton County Hospital, the closest major facility, is a reasonable drive for most residents. However, travel times can fluctuate considerably depending on traffic, road conditions, and the specific location within the ZIP code. Residents living further out, particularly those in more rural areas, may face significantly longer commutes.

Access to specialty care, often located in larger cities like Columbia or Savannah, requires significantly longer travel times. This necessitates navigating highways like I-95, which can add considerable time to the journey, especially during holiday travel or in the event of an accident. The quality of the roads and the potential for delays directly impact the timeliness of medical care, a crucial factor in the overall health score.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 29924 are limited, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The availability of buses, for example, is severely restricted. There are no dedicated public transit routes within the immediate Hampton area, and the few options that exist are infrequent and do not provide comprehensive coverage.

Furthermore, the lack of ADA-accessible features on any existing public transit services is a major concern. This significantly limits access for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments, potentially forcing them to rely on more costly or less reliable alternatives. The absence of a robust public transit system contributes negatively to the overall health score, particularly for vulnerable populations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

The rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offers a potential alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services in 29924 is inconsistent. While they may be available in Hampton, their presence is not guaranteed, and wait times can be unpredictable. This makes them unreliable for urgent medical needs.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like CareRide and MedTrans provide non-emergency medical transportation, offering door-to-door service and accommodating individuals with mobility limitations. While these services are valuable, they can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, especially during peak hours or for appointments in remote locations.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 29924 is moderate. While the presence of Hampton County Hospital provides a local option, the limitations in transportation options significantly impact the ability of residents to access healthcare services. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of robust public transit, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation all contribute to a complex landscape.

Individuals moving to Hampton must carefully consider these factors. The availability of a personal vehicle is almost essential. Those without a car will face significant challenges in accessing medical care, potentially leading to delayed treatment or missed appointments.

**Factors Affecting the Score**

The overall health score is negatively impacted by the lack of public transportation, the potential for long drive times to specialized care, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services. The cost and availability of medical transportation also weigh heavily on the score.

Conversely, the presence of Hampton County Hospital and the relatively well-maintained road network contribute positively. However, these positive aspects are often overshadowed by the transportation challenges.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Improving healthcare access in 29924 requires a multi-pronged approach. Investing in public transportation, including the implementation of regular bus routes with ADA-compliant features, would significantly enhance accessibility.

Encouraging the expansion of ride-sharing services and promoting the availability of medical transportation options would also be beneficial. Furthermore, community initiatives that provide transportation assistance to vulnerable populations could help bridge the gap.

**Conclusion**

For those considering moving to Hampton, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential. The overall health score for healthcare access reflects the challenges and opportunities inherent in this rural environment. While Hampton offers a welcoming community and a slower pace of life, residents must be prepared to navigate the transportation hurdles to ensure timely and reliable access to healthcare services. The ability to secure reliable transportation is a critical component of maintaining good health and well-being in 29924. The health score reflects the need for continued efforts to improve healthcare access for all residents.