Union County Health Data
Union County, South Carolina
Health Score
18/100
Below Avg
Life Expectancy
69.0 yr
Uninsured Rate
11.3%
Health Statistics
Life Expectancy
69.0 yr
State avg 72.5 yr
National avg 77.5 yr
Uninsured Rate
11.3%
State avg 11.6%
National avg 9%
Primary Care Providers
33
per 100K population
National avg 82
Mental Health Providers
109
per 100K population
National avg 350
Data Story
About Health in Union County, South Carolina
Union faces significant health headwinds
Union County's life expectancy of 69.0 years falls 0.6 years below the national average of 68.4 years, but its 24.8% poor or fair health rate far exceeds the U.S. average of 21%, signaling serious population health challenges. With only 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Union has notably limited access compared to the national average. The county ranks among the least healthy communities in its region.
South Carolina's worst health performer
Union County's 69.0-year life expectancy trails South Carolina's 72.5-year average by 3.5 years—the largest gap among the six counties studied. Its 24.8% poor or fair health rate is the state's worst, indicating chronic disease and population health struggles. Despite these challenges, Union's 11.3% uninsured rate is slightly above the state average, showing modest coverage progress.
Lowest health outcomes in the region
Union's 69.0-year life expectancy is 7.3 years below neighboring York County (76.3 years) and 4.8 years below Spartanburg County (73.8 years). The county's 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents rank it near the bottom regionally, ahead only of Saluda. Mental health providers at 109 per 100,000 provide basic capacity, though well below peer counties like Sumter (182 per 100K).
Barriers to routine and urgent care
Union's 33 primary care providers per 100,000 residents create real access challenges for preventive care, chronic disease management, and routine checkups. The 24.8% poor or fair health rate suggests many residents deal with untreated conditions, likely exacerbated by limited provider availability. Mental health support at 109 per 100,000 is stretched thin, limiting counseling and behavioral health access.
Healthcare access starts with coverage
Union County residents face the steepest health challenges in the region, making coverage even more critical. Visit HealthCare.gov, call 211, or contact the Union County Health Department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and community health center services. Securing coverage is your first step toward getting the care you need.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Data Sources
Health data sourced from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.
Data is informational only. Not medical or health advice. Coverage varies by county and reporting year.