Healthcare varies substantially by state based on dozens of factors. The same is valid for cities. Some of this is due to the availability of medical facilities. Some have to do with health habits. Some have to do with incomes and poverty levels. People who live in poor states, based on income, almost always have unhealthy populations. A new study from RenewBariatrics shows that.
The survey, “Healthiest (and Unhealthiest) States in the US—2024 Rankings,” reviews alcohol use, diabetes, drug overdoses, mental health, isolation, tobacco use, exercise, and the presence of heart disease, obesity, and cancer. These, taken together, create an index from 0 to 100, with 100 being the worst possible score. These are the most expensive states to live in.
West Virginia is the healthiest state, with a score of 100. The authors wrote, “West Virginia comes in as the most unhealthy state considering a number of factors like extremely high rates of tobacco use and drug overdoses alongside already high rates of diabetes.”
According to The World Population Review, West Virginia has the second lowest median income of all states, at $51,248.
Louisiana is the second-worst state in the unhealthiest category, scoring 84.5. It has the third-lowest median income among all states, at $52,087.
Median income also comes close to matching the healthiest states. Hawaii, with a score of 0.0, is at the top of the health list. It ranks as the seventh highest state in median income, at $84,857.
Median income may not perfectly match health outcomes, but it is close.
It’s Your Money, Your Future—Own It (sponsor)
Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? For families with more than $500,000 saved for retirement, finding a financial advisor who puts your interest first can be the difference, and today it’s easier than ever. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three fiduciary financial advisors who serve your area in minutes. Each advisor has been carefully vetted and must act in your best interests. Start your search now.
If you’ve saved and built a substantial nest egg for you and your family, don’t delay; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
