America’s healthiest states share common characteristics including lower economic hardship, reduced drug and nicotine use, and higher rates of high school completion, according to the United Health Foundation’s annual rankings. The least healthy states are marked by high premature death rates, homelessness, elevated homicide rates, and high prevalence of chronic conditions.
Ranking Methodology and Key Findings
Researchers examined nearly 100 factors from over 30 sources, including premature death, excessive drinking, suicide, chronic conditions, drug deaths, exercise, smoking, firearm deaths, unemployment, volunteerism, and air pollution. The report states: “This year’s findings reveal encouraging signs of progress. National mortality rates improved, with reductions in premature death and drug death rates. Cancer screenings, physical inactivity and volunteerism also improved.”
However, gains were tempered by “continued increases in multiple chronic conditions among adults, as well as growing socioeconomic challenges like homelessness, which underscore persistent challenges related to community well-being.”
National Trends (2022-2024)
Nationwide, premature deaths decreased 8% between 2022 and 2023, while drug deaths dropped 3%. Physical inactivity reached its healthiest level since 1996, with 21.8% of adults reporting no physical activity outside of work between 2023 and 2024. Cancer screenings increased 15% between 2022 and 2024, but the rate of multiple chronic conditions increased 6% between 2023 and 2024.
Cigarette smoking was down 4% between 2023 and 2024, offset by a 4% increase in e-cigarette use. Between 2021 and 2022, volunteerism rose 22%. However, homelessness and the number of people who avoided health care due to cost increased 16% and 8%, respectively.
State Rankings
The five healthiest states are New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and Utah. New Hampshire shows low prevalence of non-medical drug use and high school completion. Massachusetts has a low premature death rate and low obesity prevalence. Vermont shows low drug use and high school completion. Connecticut demonstrates low premature death and drug use rates. Utah has low excessive drinking rates and low homicide rates.
The five unhealthiest states are Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, and West Virginia. Louisiana has high economic hardship and homicide rates. Arkansas shows high premature death rates and e-cigarette use. Mississippi demonstrates high physical inactivity. Alabama has high premature death and multiple chronic conditions. West Virginia shows high chronic conditions and frequent mental distress.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/healthiest-least-healthy-states-us