When we think about health, we tend to think personal—whether it’s your own workout routine, your diet, or your wellness rituals—more often then not we associate the idea of health with the individual. But, what many of fail to consider, myself included, is the health of our environment. Tons of factors impact how healthy our environment is, and a recent study by the research firm HubScore revealed that these are the healthiest states in the U.S.
Healthiest States in the U.S.
HubScore’s analysis took into account an array of factors when calculating the healthiest states in the U.S., from mortality rates to disease prevalence and citizen’s health, healthcare accessibility and quality as well as physical environment. Likely unsurprising to many, the state that came out on top was none other than Hawaii. “Hawaii claims the top spot as the healthiest state, boasting an impressive Health Index Score of 82.2,” the report explains. “The state’s commitment to physical and mental health, along with its favorable environmental factors, contributes to its high ranking.”
In second place was Massachusetts, which came in with an overall Health Index Score of 78.0, which HubScore attributes to the state’s healthcare infrastructure and education. In third place, coming in just behind Massachusetts was Utah, with a Health Index Score of 77.9. “The state’s emphasis on wellness initiatives and access to healthcare services plays a vital role in its population’s overall health,” HubScore explains.
The States That Ranked The Lowest
On the other end of the spectrum, coming in at 48th, 49th and 50th, respectively, were Alabama, West Virginia and Mississippi. “Mississippi and West Virginia have the lowest Health Index Scores of 42.6 and 43.8, respectively,” HubScore notes, “These states face various socioeconomic factors that adversely affect their population’s health outcomes.”
