34 of the Healthiest Counties in America

"The United States lags behind many other wealthy, highly developed countries in key public health indicators. According to a report published by the World Obesity Federation , a London-based non-profit advocacy group, the adult obesity rate in the U.S. was nearly 43% in 2022, higher than in all but a handful of high-income countries, and more than double the obesity rate in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and across Scandinavia."

"Explanations for America's lagging health indicators are complex and linked to a number of social, economic, and systemic factors. Insufficient investment in health care, however, is not one of them. At $12,434 in 2022, the United States spends more per capita on health than any other country in the world. But despite unparalleled spending, the United States does not have a universal health care system, making treatment or regular preventative care unaffordable for millions of uninsured Americans."

"Although public health challenges are widespread and deeply entrenched in America, some parts of the country stand out for exceptionally strong health outcomes. Using data from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps , a program of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, 24/7 Wall St. identified the healthiest counties in America. Counties and county equivalents are ranked on an index of four health outcome measures."

The United States recorded an adult obesity rate near 43% in 2022, exceeding rates in most other high-income nations and more than doubling rates in several European countries. Average life expectancy at birth in 2023 stood at about 78.4 years, below the 80-plus-year averages in Canada, the EU, Japan, South Korea, and the U.K. Complex social, economic, and systemic factors contribute to weaker health indicators, while the U.S. spends $12,434 per capita on health in 2022, the highest globally. Lack of universal coverage leaves many unable to afford treatment or preventive care. County-level data identify pockets of exceptionally strong health outcomes using an index of four measures.

Read at 24/7 Wall St.