BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – Berkeley County is considered one of the “healthiest counties” in South Carolina, according to new data compiled from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI).
Out of the state’s 46 counties, it took the No. 7 spot for health outcomes. Two other Lowcountry counties – Charleston (No. 4) and Dorchester (No. 6) ranked slightly better.
Health outcomes represent how healthy a county is right now, the report said. They reflect the physical and mental well-being of residents through measures representing the length and quality of life typically experienced in the community.
The average number of years a person in Berkeley County can expect to live is 78.3, the report said. That’s about two years more than the state average.
According to the report, Berkeley County’s premature death rate for people under 75 is about 17 percent lower than the state’s, with the leading cause of death “malignant neoplasms” followed by heart disease and accidents.
The percentage of adults in Berkeley County reporting fair or poor health is 18 percent – a percent higher than the state average.
Other interesting health findings for Berkeley County include:
- Live births with low birthweight: 9 percent (a percent lower than the state average)
- Adults aged 20 and above with diagnosed diabetes: 11 percent (a percent lower than the state average)
- Adults reporting 14 or more days of poor mental health per month: 15 percent (a percent higher than the state average)
- Number of people aged 13 years and older living with a diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection per 100,000 population: 246 (South Carolina: 404)
The report also looked at several health factors that influenced health outcomes for people who call Berkeley County home. It found that:
- 19 percent of adults are current smokers
- 35 percent of adults are obese
- 22 percent of adults report binge or heavy drinking
- 29 percent of adults report physical inactivity
In terms of health factors, Berkeley County ranked No. 9.
Which South Carolina county is the healthiest overall? According to the report, that honor goes to Beaufort. Meanwhile, Dillon is the least healthy county in the state.
“It’s clear that these rankings show across several factors that we have wide disparities in South Carolina between more affluent counties and counties with less access to the social and economic factors that positively influence South Carolinians ability to reach their best health,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, public health director, S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control. “Our goal at DHEC is to eliminate health disparities by working together with our partners and communities to reduce inequities in the
health determinants, leading to a healthier South Carolina.”
To determine the rankings, the report examined high school graduation rates, access to nutritious foods, and the percentage of children living in poverty, all of which impact the future health of communities.
The rankings are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.
✝️ Submit an obituary HERE
📅 Submit a local calendar event HERE
📢 Submit an announcement:
Got social media? Like us on:
If you enjoy what you’re reading, please consider liking us on: Facebook, subscribing to our newsletter and following us on Twitter and Instagram. Feel free to also join our Facebook groups: Berkeley County, SC Residents: What’s On Your Mind?, Berkeley County Real Estate: Lots & Homes for Sale/Rent and Berkeley County, SC Jobs: Find a Job or Post a Job.
Psst!!! Got something to say and want to reach your neighbors? Not everyone is on social media. Check out our neighbor forum today and start a conversation. It’s easy! No registration/logging in is required to post. We’ll even amplify your forum post on Facebook to reach more people, too. [CLICK HERE TO START THE CONVO]
- Nearly Century-Old St. Stephen School To Be Torn Down - March 20, 2024
- BCSD Approves $10K Bonus For Special Education Teachers - March 19, 2024
- WakeUp Carolina Celebrates Moncks Corner Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting - March 12, 2024
Recent Comments