Two Ohio counties near Columbus have been recognized as some of the healthiest in the nation, according to a recent study by U.S. News & World Report. Delaware County, just north of Columbus, was ranked at No. 12, dropping two spots from the previous year, with an overall score of 87 out of 100. The study found that Delaware County had lower rates of uninsured residents, obesity, and diabetes compared to national averages. Union County, located just west of Delaware, climbed 15 spots from the previous year to No. 50, with an overall score of 80. Union County had lower rates of smoking, higher life expectancy, and lower obesity prevalence compared to national averages. Medina County and Warren County also made it into the top 100 healthiest counties in the nation.
The rankings were determined based on 92 metrics in 10 health and health-related categories, including population health, equity, education, economy, housing, food and nutrition, environment, public safety, community vitality, and infrastructure. U.S. News collaborated with the University of Missouri Extension Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES) to collect data from well-recognized and validated sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Census Bureau, Medicare & Medicaid, and the EPA. This comprehensive approach allowed for a thorough evaluation of nearly 3,000 U.S. counties and county equivalents to determine their overall health and well-being.
The top 10 healthiest counties in the United States, according to the study, include Falls Church city in Virginia, Los Alamos County in New Mexico, Douglas County in Colorado, Sioux County in Iowa, Hamilton County in Indiana, Dallas County in Iowa, Ozaukee County in Wisconsin, Carver County in Minnesota, Bremer County in Iowa, and Morgan County in Utah. These counties demonstrated high performance across various metrics related to population health, equity, education, economy, housing, and more, showcasing their commitment to promoting community well-being and health.
Delaware County stood out for its lower rates of uninsured residents, obesity, and diabetes, contributing to its high ranking as one of the healthiest counties in the nation. Union County also showed strong performance in areas such as smoking rates, life expectancy, and obesity prevalence, leading to its significant improvement in the rankings compared to the previous year. These counties, along with Medina County and Warren County, exemplify the efforts of communities in Ohio to prioritize health and well-being, setting a positive example for others to follow.
Overall, the study highlighted the importance of various factors such as population health, equity, education, and public safety in shaping the health outcomes of communities across the United States. By evaluating counties based on a wide range of metrics and collaborating with reputable sources for data collection, U.S. News was able to provide a comprehensive assessment of community health and well-being. The recognition of Delaware County, Union County, and other top-performing counties serves as a testament to their dedication to promoting health and wellness among their residents, ultimately contributing to the overall improvement of community health nationwide.
