"New Hampshire emerged as the undisputed heavyweight in state-level health and wellness for the fourth consecutive year. Factors that contributed to New Hampshire's appeal include low non-medical drug use, high secondary school completion rates, and a nearly 10% drop in homelessness. Granite Staters are also more likely to live close together, with nearly two-thirds of the population clustered in three metropolitan counties that include mid-sized cities such as Manchester and Dover."
"The report lays out how each state performed on several public health metrics and ranks them in order of medical, behavioral, and social outcomes. Findings were based on 99 measures of health and well-being collected from 31 data sources. The result is a snapshot of where America is at its most and least healthy. And while many familiar names in wealthier metropolitan states fare well, the health picture is a reminder that the rural-urban split remains one of America's most enduring partitions."
New Hampshire retained the top state-level health ranking, showing low non-medical drug use, high secondary school completion, and nearly a 10% drop in homelessness. Population clustering in three metropolitan counties and strong air and water quality, reading proficiency, and community safety reinforced the standing. Residents reported lower smoking and physical inactivity despite higher heavy drinking. Nationally, homicides and deaths from drugs and firearms declined in 2025, and some progress appeared in premature death and mental health metrics. Overall progress remains uneven, highlighting persistent rural-urban and regional health divides. Rankings used 99 measures drawn from multiple data sources.
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