What Are the Healthiest States in the U.S.?

More Americans are concerned about their health in 2025—this is what a study by the Ipsos Consumer Tracker has found.

75% want to eat healthier food, 71% plan to exercise more, 60% are looking for a better work-life balance, and more than one in three intend to lower their carbon footprint.

These findings are no coincidence. For decades, consumerism has led U.S. citizens down a self-destructive path, jeopardizing their health and overall well-being through poor eating habits, sedentary practices, and the like.

Americans’ affinity toward excessive consumption has also had a damaging effect on the planet, which in turn has caused catastrophic, longer-lasting health impacts on people. (Adverse air quality, for instance, is a top trigger of asthma, a chronic condition that affects 4.7 million kids in America, according to the American Lung Association).

Now, more Americans are taking note and making measured adjustments to revert to a healthier lifestyle. Certain states are also being proactive in making their cities healthier to live in.

Recently, an analysis by the U.S. News & World Report looked at six important indicators of health—obesity, smoking, infant mortality, overall mortality, suicides, and the share of adults reporting poor mental health—to determine which states are doing well public health-wise.

Here are the places that scored high in their ranking of the healthiest states.

New Jersey

Many people choose New Jersey as their home for its central location, strong job market, stunning coastline, and laid-back appeal, among other reasons. There is no question about the state’s high livability. Last year, Trenton, the capital of NJ, even made the ranking of the best places to retire in the country.

One area in which the state has done exceptionally well is public health. New Jersey is among the top 15 states for high-quality healthcare and ranks among the best for healthcare access.

It also has the third-lowest infant mortality and overall mortality rates in the U.S. and reports the lowest suicides per capita.

That’s not all. New Jersey seems to do a commendable job when it comes to creating a healthier natural environment for its residents. The number of days with unhealthy air quality and drinking water violation points there are both significantly below the national levels, indicating a higher quality of air and water in the state.

New York

The most populous state in America has long attracted millions of people as a leading hub of finance, economy, culture, and entertainment.

It is little wonder that New York has directed part of its economic success into creating highly livable communities for its residents. These efforts have no doubt contributed to its ranking as the second healthiest state in the country.

New York has the second-lowest mortality and suicide rates in the U.S. and currently ranks eighth for healthcare (signaling high healthcare quality and access in the state). Plus, 93.2% of the state’s 19.87 million population have health insurance. This is a significant improvement compared to the national average of 89.8%. 

It also has one of the lowest pollution levels (fifth-lowest among states). Overall, New York offers the sixth-best natural environment in America, based on pollution and the quality of air and water.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts’ densely populated cities could make anyone concerned about its livability. However, this state has clinched ninth place among the best states in the country. And one reason contributing to this achievement is its high public health standards.

Massachusetts is recognized for having the highest healthcare access in the U.S., based on a number of factors like healthcare affordability, child wellness visits, and adult dental visits. And a significant percentage of its population (96.5%) is covered by health insurance.

This state is only second to Hawaii in overall healthcare rankings, which take into account a state’s performance in the areas of quality and access to healthcare and public health outcomes.

Massachusetts residents also enjoy a remarkably healthier natural environment. The state currently ranks third in this category, while coming second among all states for air and drinking water quality.

California

California’s thriving economy (the largest in the U.S.) has long been a major reason for Americans as well as foreigners to flock to its cities. From Hollywood to Silicon Valley, its industries have created a thriving job market that continues to draw people from all walks of life.

And to cater to California’s growing population, the state has made public health a priority. This commitment is reflected in California’s high rankings in the overall healthcare metrics.

91% of Californians have access to health insurance, and the state is pegged as one of the best for healthcare quality (fourth in the country).

It has also done well in keeping pollutants low and takes the sixth position in the ranking for low pollution levels. And its drinking water violation points are only 0.85 per 1,000 people—an exceptional achievement considering the national average of 3.26.

Connecticut

This tiny state on the northeastern side is one of the most densely populated. Connecticut is significantly affluent and is also home to some of the top universities.

Needless to say, the state ranks high for overall livability, securing a place among the 15 best states in America. This includes performance in public health, too. 

Connecticut has invested in infrastructure and resources to provide its residents with a healthier environment to live in. It closely follows Hawaii and Massachusetts in the rankings for overall healthcare. For healthcare access, it’s only second to Massachusetts.

Besides, the quality of Connecticut’s hospitals is among the best in the country, and the state ranks in the top ten for low mortality, suicides, smoking, and obesity.

Industrial toxins in its cities are also pretty low—308 pounds/mi² compared to the national average of 901.

Wrapping Up

As more Americans prioritize a healthy lifestyle, U.S. states are also working hard to create a healthier environment for residents.

According to U.S. News & World Report, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, California, and Connecticut have done comparatively better than others in this regard, ranking as the healthiest states in America.

Many of the states that have fared well in this ranking have invested in healthcare resources, amenities, and infrastructure, while also attempting to mitigate their environmental impact.

Their efforts will undoubtedly play a major role in creating healthier and more productive populations for years to come.

Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay