Life Expectancy
Life expectancy in South Carolina was about 75.9 years as of 2021, below the national average.
Age-adjusted death rate, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017), all causes, age-adjusted.
Total deaths, all causes
1999–2017CDC National Center for Health Statistics, leading causes of death (1999–2017).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Life Expectancy (years) | 75.9 | 76.4 |
- •South Carolina's life expectancy varies by more than a decade between its healthiest and least healthy counties.
Healthcare Access
About 9.9% of South Carolinians lacked health insurance in 2023, and many rural counties face primary care shortages.
Residents without health insurance
2009–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian noninstitutionalized population, B27010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured Rate | 9.9 | 7.9 |
- •South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, contributing to its higher-than-average uninsured rate.
Hospitals
South Carolina has about 75 hospitals, led by Prisma Health and MUSC Health.
Hospital jobs
2001–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 622, annual average (FRED SMU45000006562200001).
Health care jobs (ambulatory, hospitals and nursing)
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 621–623, annual average (FRED SMU45000006562000001).
Insurance Coverage
About 90.1% of South Carolinians had health insurance coverage in 2023.
Adults with any health care coverage
2011–2020CDC BRFSS, adults 18+ (question discontinued after 2020).
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Insured Rate | 90.1 | 92.1 |
- •South Carolina's ACA marketplace enrollment has grown substantially in recent years as subsidies expanded.
Obesity
Roughly 35.8% of South Carolina adults were classified as obese in 2022, above the national average.
Adults with obesity
2011–2025CDC BRFSS via Chronic Disease Indicators, adults 18+.
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Obesity Rate | 35.8 | 32.6 |
- •South Carolina's DHEC runs statewide childhood obesity prevention programs targeting school nutrition and physical activity.
Public Health Indicators
South Carolina's public health indicators, including a 17.1% adult smoking rate and 13% diabetes prevalence, generally trail national benchmarks.
Adults who currently smoke
2011–2025CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, adults 18+.
| Indicator | South Carolina | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Smoking Rate | 17.1 | 11.6 |
- •South Carolina merged its health and environmental agencies in 2024 into the new Department of Public Health.