This study aims to analyze the associative characteristics between residents’ health awareness and health literacy, as well as differences in network structures among groups with varying socioeconomic statuses. From May to July 2024, a purposive sample of 1,364 residents from five cities in Anhui Province was surveyed. Regularized partial correlation network analysis was used to examine the network structures of health awareness and health literacy, and network differences were compared by grouping participants according to the socioeconomic status. The results show that, within the overall network, the health awareness item “Proactive Health Awareness” (YS5) exhibited the strongest cross-dimensional association with the health literacy dimension “Health Promotion” (HLSY3); bridge centrality analysis revealed that “Belief in Personal Control over Health” (YS3) and “Health Promotion” (HLSY3) played the most prominent bridging roles. Differences in network structure between the high- and low-socioeconomic status groups were statistically significant (P= 0.034); the high-socioeconomic status group exhibited a distinct core node, whereas no obvious core node was identified in the low-socioeconomic status group. Health awareness and health literacy are closely related, and network heterogeneity exists across different socioeconomic status groups; therefore, stratified and targeted health promotion interventions should be implemented.