Research Highlights
- Utah is the fittest state in the country
- Alabama is the least physically active state with nearly a third of all inhabitants not doing any type of physical activity
- West Virginia have the highest amount of regular smokers nationwide
- 23.8% of Wisconsinites are heavy drinkers
- West Virginia also has the highest obesity rates (40.6%) and Cardiovascular disease rates (14.2%) in the country
- Wayne County, Michigan is the least healthy county in America
Methodology
A variety of sources were used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the health state of the nation. All information collected comes from the most reputable sources available:
- worldpopulationreview.com - Healthiest States 2025
- americashealthrankings.org - Annual Report
- forbes.com - States with the Least Healthy (And Healthiest) Populations, Ranked
What is the Fittest State in America?
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In Utah, many key health indicators rank among the best nationally. For example, only 7.2% of adults report smoking — the lowest rate across all states. When it comes to staying active, Utah also stands out, with just 17.3% of the population not engaging in regular physical activity — placing it third overall for activity levels. The state’s relatively high median household income of $71,414 allows many residents access to health insurance, routine medical checkups, and better nutrition. On top of that, Utah reports the nation’s lowest rate of excessive alcohol consumption, at just 12.5%.
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Minnesota consistently ranks near the top when it comes to health care access and quality. This likely contributes to its low rate of early mortality (around 6,549 deaths per 100,000 people) placing it among the best in the nation. Residents there also tend to get more rest, making it the second-best state for adequate sleep. The average household earns about $70,000 annually, giving many families the ability to afford quality medical services. On the flip side, around 32% of adults are considered obese, and close to one in five report drinking more than recommended. Still, only a small portion of the population, roughly 4.5%, lacks health insurance.
- California ranks as the third healthiest state in the U.S., and the numbers back it up. The state boasts the second-lowest smoking rate nationwide, with just 8.9% of adults lighting up. Excessive alcohol use is also relatively low, with only 16.7% of the population falling into that category. When it comes to access to care, California shines again as it ranks third in the country for primary care physicians per 100,000 residents. On top of that, the obesity rate sits at just 27.6%, placing it fifth-best nationally. Cardiovascular health is another strong point, with California ranking fourth overall for lowest incidence of heart disease.
Which state is the laziest in America in 2025?
Which State smokes the Most Cigarettes in America in 2025?
Smoking is statistically much higher among lower-income states with less regulation and this plays out in West Virginia (22%), Arkansas (21.1%), Tennessee (19.7%), Kentucky (19.6%) and Mississippi (19.6%).
Which US State Drinks the Most Alcohol
Historically, Wisconsin was largely populated by German and Scandinavian immigrants and they brought a tradition of beer brewing and consumption that has become part of Wisconsin culture. 23.8% of the population are classified as excessive drinkers.
Which state has the highest obesity rate in America 2025?
Southern and Midwestern states have the highest prevalence of obesity rates in the country. West Virginia and Kentucky top the chart at 40.6% and 40.3% respectively.
Which state has the highest Cardiovascular rate in America in 2025?
Unsurprisingly its a similar story with the same states having the highest rates for cardiovascular disease, West Virginia coming in at 14.2%
The Unhealthiest Counties in the US
Top 3 Least Healthy Counties in the U.S.
1. Wayne County, Michigan
Score: 100/100
Wayne County ranks as the unhealthiest county in the nation. It leads in multiple health risk factors, including smoking, lack of exercise, and chronic disease.
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Highest rates of COPD (8.8%), stroke (4.1%), and smoking (21.7%)
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2nd highest in heart disease (7%) and high blood pressure (39.5%)
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3rd highest in chronic kidney disease (3.8%)
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8th in diabetes (13.3%)
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9th in physical inactivity (28.3%)
2. Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Score: 99.38/100
Cuyahoga County has the nation's highest rate of heart disease (7.2%), significantly elevating the risk of heart-related complications.
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2nd in COPD (8.5%)
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4th in stroke (3.8%) and high blood pressure (37.3%)
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5th in chronic kidney disease (3.6%)
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6th in diabetes (13.6%), cancer (7.5%), and smoking (18%)
3. Jefferson County, Kentucky
Score: 98.41/100
Jefferson County struggles with widespread chronic conditions, particularly those affecting cardiovascular health.
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3rd in heart disease (6.6%) and COPD (8.2%)
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4th in high blood pressure (37.3%)
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6th in high cholesterol (37.4%)
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7th in smoking (17.8%) and physical inactivity (28.7%)
- 10th in obesity (37.3%)