Critical factors in human health include access to health care, preventative care, and lifestyle. In Lancaster County, most residents under age 65 have health insurance, most mothers receive prenatal care, but many residents are overweight or obese, which can increase the risk of a variety of health problems.
In 2022, 12% of Lancaster County residents under 65 were uninsured. This is higher than statewide rate of 6% and the national rate of 10%.
In 2023, rates of prenatal care in Lancaster County were highest among Asian and Hispanic births (86% and 77%, respectively) followed closely by African American births (71%), and White births (63%). Lancaster rates were higher than the state rates for all populations, with the exception of Whites, which was 15 percentage points lower than the state rate.
In 2020-22, 68% of residents in Lancaster County were either overweight or obese, which was similar to the state and nation (67% and 68%, respectively). The county’s percentage has increased 8 points from 2013-15. The percentage of overweight and obese residents in Lancaster County in 2020-22 was similar to most comparison counties, but higher than Chester County.
Residents’ current health level is as important as their access to health care. In 2020-22, 14% of adults in Lancaster County reported that their health was fair or poor, better than Pennsylvania and the nation, both at 16%, indicating that the majority of residents perceived their overall health as good, very good, or even excellent.
In 2023, Lancaster County's overall mortality rate was 646 per 100,000 residents, a decrease of 2% since 2010 and lower than the state rate.
However, Lancaster County’s mortality rate due to fatal drug poisonings (16 per 100,000 residents) increased 101% since 2010.
In other areas of health, including mental illness, Lancaster County closely mirrors the state and surrounding counties:
