In the United States, not all communities are created equal when it comes to health. Some communities have better availability of affordable housing, education resources and economic performance, which can all have an impact on how long and how well a person lives.
Understanding how communities stack up for their health-related components is essential for healthcare leaders and officials to make policy decisions that can improve outcomes, according to U.S. News & World Report, which recently ranked the healthiest communities in the United States.
“Knowing how such factors interact to create a healthier community–or a sicker one–is an important first step toward targeting resources where they'll do the most good,” U.S. News & World Report stated. “And geography offers a powerful lens through which to focus reform.”
The rankings identified the top 500 healthiest communities in the U.S., and the evaluations also offer insights and analysis to inform consumers and policymakers on what’s happening in their communities.
The rankings were created in collaboration with CVS Health, and the University of Missouri Extension Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems performed data collection and analysis.
Here are the top 10 healthiest communities in the 2022:
- Los Alamos County, New Mexico
- Falls Church city, Virginia
- Douglas County, Colorado
- Morgan County, Utah
- Carver County, Minnesota
- Sioux County, Iowa
- Ozaukee County, Wisconsin
- Hamilton County, Indiana
- Broomfield County, Colorado
- Delaware County, Ohio
The report measured 89 indicators across 10 categories that drive community health, with population health and equity being the most heavily weighted categories. Of the top communities, Los Alamos County, Falls Church and Douglas County ranked 94, 100 and 93, respectively, for population health.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."