Vermont has taken top billing as America’s healthiest state, a new report says.
According to a Healthy States Index released by the health care staffing platform Nursa, the Green Mountain State scored 8.69 out of 10 — earning top marks for low pollution levels, high life expectancy and an abundance of green spaces, gyms and healthy food stores.
Nursa’s index analyzed these factors, using data from the Center for Disease Control, the Environmental Protection Agency and OpenStreetMap to rank states on the 10-point scale.
The study also noted that states with a higher density of parks often have lower hospital readmission rates, a marker of overall community health.
Vermont led in access to healthy stores, with nearly 38 per 100,000 residents, and it maintains a relatively low adult smoking rate of 13.2%. Life expectancy for Vermont residents, too, now sits at 78.4 years.
New Hampshire and Washington round out the top three, with scores of 8.43 and 8.35, respectively.
The findings suggest that states investing in accessible wellness infrastructure, pollution reduction and public health initiatives are reaping measurable health benefits for residents.
Americans everywhere, however, are more likely to take their health seriously, according to Nursa researchers. Just a decade ago, fewer than 3% of Americans were living a healthy lifestyle. Now, nearly three-quarters are aiming to eat better and exercise more.
Hawaii, while not in the top three overall, boasts the highest life expectancy in the country — 79.9 years, per Nursa.
At the other end of the list, Louisiana ranked as the least healthy state, scoring 4.97 out of 10. The state has the fewest gyms per capita in the country, high pollution and a smoking rate of 21%, contributing to a lower life expectancy of 72.2 years.
Other states in the bottom five included Tennessee, West Virginia, Mississippi and Nevada, where a combination of environmental challenges — limited wellness facilities and higher hospital readmission rates — pulled down their scores.
