Snapshot of Well-Being: The Best and Worst States for Health in the US
Not surprisingly, where you live can significantly influence your ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Although the United States ranks among the wealthiest nations globally, it also exhibits some of the highest healthcare spending per capita compared to other high-income countries. Despite this, there are notable disparities in health outcomes across the nation, impacted by factors such as access to healthcare, lifestyle choices, and socioeconomic status.
As a result, many Americans face health challenges, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, health varies from state to state. In this context, check out this list of the top five healthiest and five least healthy states based on a recent survey.
Healthiest States in the U.S.

Some states rank healthier for a variety of reasons, as they have fewer people suffering from chronic illnesses like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. These states also have a higher life expectancy than the national average, thanks to healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise and balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Good access to healthcare also helps with prevention and early treatment of health issues. Let's look at states with the healthiest populations and what they do to stay well.
1. Hawaii

Hawaii consistently tops the charts as the healthiest state in the U.S. With the longest life expectancy at 80.87 years, the lowest chronic lower respiratory disease mortality rate, and an obesity rate of just 25.0%, the Aloha State sets the bar high. Residents enjoy active lifestyles and nutritious diets, contributing to their overall well-being.
Hawaii also ranks second best for substance abuse, with the lowest alcohol-related death rate at 7.37 per 100,000 residents. This shows effective public health policies and people who value fitness and wellness.
2. Utah

Utah follows closely behind Hawaii, with the lowest cancer mortality rate and the second-lowest percentage of adults with high blood pressure. The state's focus on regular exercise and low smoking rates sets a great example for healthy living. Plus, it has the lowest percentage of heavy drinkers at just 5%, and the number of adults using illicit drugs in the past month is surprisingly low (only 8,075.01 per 100,000 residents).
Also, because of the high median income, residents have easy access to healthcare facilities and clean food.
3. Connecticut

Connecticut ranks as the third healthiest state in the U.S., largely due to its lowest diabetes mortality rate and a notably low smoking rate of just 10% compared to other states. Additionally, the state has a low prevalence of obesity, supported by various community programs promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles.
Connecticut also takes pride in its high immunization rates among adolescents (95.4%). The state's focus on healthcare access and preventive measures, including routine health screenings and educational activities, is key to enhancing the health and well-being of its residents in the long run.
4. Minnesota

Minnesota comes in fourth with an impressively low heart disease mortality rate (119.57 deaths per 100,000 residents) and an average life expectancy of 80 years. Plus, it has the second-lowest percentage of adults with high cholesterol, showing that residents focus on healthy lifestyle choices like balanced diets and regular exercise.
In addition, Minnesota is recognized as the second-best state for getting enough sleep, which is important for overall well-being. Lastly, the state has one of the lowest rates of opioid misuse, with just 2,203.88 cases per 100,000 residents in the past year.
5. Massachusetts

Massachusetts secures the fifth spot, with significantly low diabetes and stroke mortality rates. It has one of the lowest rates of uninsured individuals at just 2.5% in the country. The state also has the lowest infant mortality rate in the U.S., a significant indicator of effective healthcare practices and early intervention strategies.
Last but not least, Massachusetts is home to a high number of healthcare professionals, with the second-highest number of primary care doctors in the nation, at around 234.1 physicians for every 100,000 residents.
Least Healthy States in the U.S.

Unfortunately, the United States has its share of places where people don’t live very healthy lives, often due to socioeconomic factors, limited access to healthcare, and lifestyle choices.
Within these states, chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease are quite common, significantly impacting the quality of life for many residents. Additionally, the prevalence of smoking, drug addiction, and obesity is noticeably higher in these areas, further worsening health issues. This troubling trend contributes to a low life expectancy on average for those living in these states.
1. West Virginia

West Virginia faces significant health challenges, ranking as the least healthy state in America. With the highest rates of smoking and obesity, chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure are alarmingly common.
Residents here also experience the second-shortest life expectancy at just 73.9 years, and a staggering 30.2% of adults haven't exercised in the past month. To make matters worse, West Virginia has the highest drug overdose death rate in the country, with 75.03 deaths per 100,000 residents.
2. Mississippi

Mississippi struggles with high rates of chronic diseases, including the highest hypertension rates in the country, with 43.9% of adults having high blood pressure. It also has the highest cancer mortality rate at 178.97 deaths per 100,000 residents, along with the highest rates for kidney disease (21.8) and stroke (54.8) mortality.
To top it off, Mississippi has the shortest life expectancy nationwide, at just 73.63 years. These numbers make Mississippi the second unhealthiest state in the U.S.
3. Tennessee

Tennessee ranks third when it comes to the worst health outcomes. With a staggering opioid misuse rate of 3,743.97 per 100,000 adults and prescription pain reliever misuse at 3,190.88 per 100,000 adults, the state is facing a severe opioid epidemic.
Additionally, Tennessee has the sixth shortest life expectancy in the U.S. at just 74.97 years. It also has the third-highest percentage of adults who smoke (18.5%) and the fifth-highest drug overdose death rate (44.47 deaths per 100,000 residents). Plus, about 27.7% of adults haven't exercised in the past month. The state's poor lifestyle habits and health outcomes call for the need for better healthcare initiatives and preventive measures.
4. Arkansas

Arkansas faces alarming mortality rates from heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Contributing to this troubling ranking are lifestyle habits due to low physical activity and high smoking rates — an eye-opening 18.7% of adults in the state smoke, making it the second highest in the nation! Additionally, 31.2% of Arkansas adults reported not exercising in the past month.
Arkansas also has the seventh shortest life expectancy at 75.03 years and ranks as the second worst state for opioid misuse. Around 3,447.55 per 100,000 residents reported opioid misuse in the past year.
5. Kentucky

Kentucky is grappling with public health challenges, including high smoking rates and limited access to healthcare services. The state has the third-highest cancer mortality rate, with 178.27 deaths per 100,000 residents.
It also ranks third in drug overdose deaths at 45.77 per 100,000 residents and holds the fourth-highest mortality rate for chronic lower respiratory diseases, at 58.7 per 100,000. Additionally, Kentucky has the fourth-shortest life expectancy, averaging 74.77 years.