(NEXSTAR) — A new study has identified the region with the unhealthiest population in America.
Forbes Advisor conducted the analysis and ranked each state based on several factors, including rates of drug abuse, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and chronic disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases are health conditions that last a year or longer and require ongoing medical treatment.
The CDC notes that these illnesses – such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes – are the nation’s leading causes of death and disability.
A 2023 report by The Commonwealth Fund, an independent research group, also found that the U.S. has the highest rate of people diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses when compared to other wealthy nations.
As for the unhealthiest state in America, West Virginia claims the No. 1 spot. The Mountain State, considered ground-zero for America’s opioid crisis, stands out with the highest drug overdose death rate in the U.S., according to the Forbes Advisor analysis. Lately, the use of fentanyl and the so-called “zombie drug” xylazine has fueled the state’s epidemic, NewsNation reported.
West Virginia also has the highest percentage of adults who smoke (21%), the highest percentage of adults who are obese (41%), and the second shortest life expectancy nationwide (73.9 years).
Mississippi, deemed the second unhealthiest state, has the shortest life expectancy at 73.63 years, the study found. The Magnolia State faces elevated rates of chronic diseases, including the highest cancer mortality rate in the country (17.37 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
The data also shows that Mississippi has higher rates of hypertension and diabetes, with 43.9% of adults in the state diagnosed with high blood pressure and 13.7% diagnosed with diabetes.
Aside from West Virginia and Mississippi, six other southern states are among the top 10 unhealthiest:
- West Virginia
- Mississippi
- Tennessee
- Arkansas
- Kentucky
- Alabama
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Ohio
- Indiana
Hawaii, one of the most beautiful states in the U.S., has the best health profile. The Forbes Advisor study found that residents in the Aloha State have the highest life expectancy in the country (80.87 years), and the prevalence of chronic diseases is notably lower compared to other states.
Minnesota is the only Midwest state listed among the top 10 healthiest. Five East Coast states also made the list, while the others are scattered across the West:
- Hawaii
- Utah
- Connecticut
- Minnesota
- Massachusetts
- Colorado
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
- Washington
- New York
For its analysis, which you can view in full here, Forbes Advisor analyzed data from the CDC, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
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FAQs
“Eight of the top 10 least healthy states are in the South: West Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Alabama, Louisiana and Oklahoma,” Forbes reported. “Five of the top 10 healthiest states are on the East Coast: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire and New York.”
What state has the unhealthiest population? ›
A 2023 report by The Commonwealth Fund, an independent research group, also found that the U.S. has the highest rate of people diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses when compared to other wealthy nations. As for the unhealthiest state in America, West Virginia claims the No. 1 spot.
What is the #1 healthiest state in the US? ›
Hawaii. According to our research, Hawaii is the healthiest state in the US. It ranks best overall for having low disease risk factors and healthy lifestyle habits.
What are the healthiest states in the US 2024? ›
The top 10 healthiest states include Hawaii, Colorado, Vermont, Utah, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, California, Rhode Island and New Jersey.
What is the #1 crime state in America? ›
In 2022, New Mexico recorded the nation's highest violent crime rate, while Washington had the highest property crime rate. Maine had the lowest violent crime rate, and Idaho held the lowest property crime rate.
What state has the worst quality of life? ›
Worst states for quality of life
Texas was the worst state for quality of life in the country. Its only strength is air quality while its weaknesses are reproductive rights, health care, voting rights, inclusiveness and worker protections. Texas also scored in last place for quality of life in 2023.
What is the #1 best state? ›
According to the survey, health care and education were ranked highest, and had the most weight in determining the best states to live. Utah once again topped the list, followed by New Hampshire, Nebraska, Minnesota and Idaho rounding out the top five.
What is the #1 healthiest place to live in the US? ›
San Francisco is officially the healthiest city in America. After 3 years at the top of the list, Miami has moved to #2—making room for The City by the Bay to clinch the top spot. This Northern California metro jumped up 5 spots from last year and ranks highly across many dimensions of wellness.
What state has the highest cholesterol? ›
- US Value: 35.7%
- Top State(s): Montana: 30.5%
- Bottom State(s): West Virginia: 41.0%
- Definition: Percentage of adults who reported having their cholesterol checked and being told by a health professional that it was high.
- Data Source and Years: CDC, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2021.
Researchers at the personal finance publication ranked the 50 states based on scores in five categories: affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Massachusetts topped 2023's list, scoring 61 out of 100. New Jersey came in second.
Colorado currently stands as the fittest state in America. It's not surprising that the states with some of the most challenging terrain compete to be considered the fittest in America.
Which state eats the healthiest? ›
The state with the healthiest eaters is The Centennial State, Colorado! And it wasn't the only western state in the top 10. Washington, Utah, Oregon, California, and Arizona all made the cut too, perhaps proving that the west is the best when it comes to healthy eating.
What is the fittest state in the USA? ›
Colorado currently stands as the fittest state in America. It's not surprising that the states with some of the most challenging terrain compete to be considered the fittest in America.
What states have the worst diet? ›
Not only does Mississippi have the lowest lifespan in the country, but it ranks #1 in unhealthy eating. Nearly all of the states with poor eating habits also top the ranks on the obesity index. Of the top 10 states with poor eating habits, 9 of them are in the South.
What state has the best doctors? ›
Here are the 10 best states for physicians:
- Montana.
- South Dakota.
- Nebraska.
- Utah.
- Indiana.
- Minnesota.
- Wisconsin.
- Idaho.
144.83 Floridians die from heart disease per 100,000 residents and only 9.5% of adults in Florida have diabetes. Florida's worst score from deaths attributed to substance abuse. Floridians rank as the #11 most healthy state in the US.
