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 2020, 14% of Lancaster County residents under age 65 were uninsured. This was higher than the statewide and national rates (8% and 10% respectively).
In 2021, rates of prenatal care in Lancaster County were highest among Asian and Hispanic births (both at 76%) followed by African American births (75%), and white births (62%). Lancaster rates of prenatal care were higher than state rates for all populations, with the exception of the rate for whites, which was 15 percentage points lower than the state rate.
In 2019-21, 71% of residents in Lancaster County were either overweight or obese, which was higher than the state and nation (both 67%). The county’s percentage was up 5 percentage points from 2011-13. The percentage of overweight and obese residents in Lancaster County in 2019-21 was higher than in all the comparison counties.
Residents’ current health level is as important as their access to health care. In Lancaster County, 12% of residents reported being in fair or poor health in 2019-21, indicating that the majority of residents perceived their overall health as good, very good, or even excellent.
In 2020, Lancaster County's overall mortality rate was 797 per 100,000 residents, a decrease of 1% since 2000 and lower than the state rate.
However, Lancaster County’s mortality rate due to fatal drug poisonings (21 per 100,000 residents) increased 402% since 2000.
In other areas of health, including mental illness, Lancaster County closely mirrors the state and surrounding counties:
| INDICATORS | TREND |
|---|---|
| People Without Health Insurance | Increasing |
| Early Prenatal Care by Mother's Race/Ethnicity | Not Applicable |
| Health Status | Decreasing |
| Prevalence of Mental Illness | Maintaining |
| Adults Who are Overweight or Obese | Not Applicable |
| Mortality Rates | Decreasing |
| Mortality Rate, by Race/Ethnicity | Increasing |
| Fatal Drug Overdoses | Increasing |
| Cancer Incidence | Decreasing |
