These Are the Least Healthy States in America
According to the United Health Foundation, America ranks near the bottom for life expectancy when compared to other developed nations. At the same time, America continues to surpass other countries in vital health spending. So which states are contributing to the U.S. health crisis the most?
We compared several health rankings by state using data from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and the United Health Foundation (UHF). By observing the worst fitness rankings, the highest rate of smokers, the highest populations at risk for disease, the greatest levels of obesity and the worst overall health, we determined these are the least healthy states in America.
30. Illinois
The home of Chicago and deep dish pizzas starts off the list ranking at number 30. In the past six years, obesity increased 15%, from 27.1% to 31.1% of adults in Illinois. The state also faces high levels of air pollution and issues related to excessive drinking.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 35thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 35thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 30thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 27thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 25th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 30.4
29. Maine
In the past five years, smoking decreased 15%, from 20.3% to 17.3% of adults in Maine. However, the state still ranks 18th in the country for the most smokers per state. In addition, chlamydia increased 34%, from 232.9 to 312.6 cases per every 100,000 residents.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 30thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 18thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 27thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 33rdUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 34th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 28.4
28. Montana (Tie)
Even though Montana has beautiful landscapes and hiking trails, its residents rank 15th on the CDC scale of least physically fit. Death by cancer increased 3%, from 178.3 to 183.3 deaths per every 100,000 residents. The state is also challenged by a lower number of primary care physicians.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 15thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 22ndJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 24thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 46thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 29th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 27.2
28. Florida (Tie)
The bright sunshine and beautiful Florida beaches create a relaxed, enjoyable lifestyle. Unfortunately, it may keep many Floridians from staying physically fit. In the past five years alone, obesity increased 13%, from 25.2% to 28.4% of adults.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 18thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 33rdJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 28thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 35thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 22nd
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 27.2
26. Wisconsin
The great state of Wisconsin ranks 26th on the list for many reasons. First, 9.1% of adults live with diabetes in the state. Second, 5.4% of the population are uninsured. Wisconsin also has a high number of residents with excessive drinking problems, with more than 24% of all adults engaging in the dangerous behavior.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 24thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 26thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 36thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 21stUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 28th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 27
25. Nevada
Sin City’s home state ranks 25th on the list, partially due to UHF’s claim that Nevada is the 15th unhealthiest state. In the past four years, premature deaths increased 8% in Nevada, totaling 7,899 years lost before age 75 statewide.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 26thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 31stJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 19thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 43rdUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 15th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 26.8
24. Pennsylvania
The land of Philly cheesesteaks unfortunately serves up several health complications as well. In the past three years, drug deaths increased 50%, from 18.7 to 28.1 deaths per every 100,000 people. The state also has a high prevalence of frequent physical distress.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 39thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 15thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 21stCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 24thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 23rd
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 24.4
23. Texas (Tie)
Texas is a massive state that lives loud and proud down in the South. On the positive side, smoking and air pollution in the state decreased over the last few years. However, cardiovascular deaths and mental distress increased 4% and 28%, respectively, across the state.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 23rdCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 42ndJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 23rdCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 14thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 14th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 23.2
23. New Mexico (Tie)
New Mexico has faced several health and wellbeing crises recently. For example, young New Mexicans experience a lower high school graduation rate in comparison to other states. New Mexico has also fallen victim to a violent crime surge in the last four years, increasing 40% from 559 to 784 offenses per every 100,000 residents.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 21stCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 34thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 10thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 35thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 16th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 23.2
21. North Dakota
North Dakota ranks 21st on the list, mostly due to its low physical fitness ranking and high obesity ranking. Drug deaths are unfortunately also on the rise statewide, increasing 207% in the last three years, from 2.7 to 8.3 deaths per every 100,000 North Dakotans.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 14thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 16thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 34thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 13thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 37th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 22.8
20. Iowa
Iowa has a lot going for it in the health department. It has a high percentage of high school graduates, a low drug death rate and a low prevalence of frequent physical distress. Unfortunately, the state also has a high prevalence of obesity, ranking fourth on the CDC’s highest obesity list.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 19thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 19thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 38thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 4thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 32nd
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 22.4
19. Kansas
Kansas lands at number 19 on the list due to its growing obese adult population. Roughly 32.3% of all adults are currently obese in Kansas. That number is certainly troubling, especially when combined with the data that more residents drink unhealthy amounts of alcohol.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 22ndCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 21stJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 22ndCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 18thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 24th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 21.4
18. Delaware
Delaware has made some great improvements over the last few years. Cancer deaths, air pollution and excessive drinking have all decreased. However, adults in Delaware demonstrate a high frequency of physical inactivity, landing them at 12th in the country for worst physical fitness ranking.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 12thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 29thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 20thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 23rdUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 20th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 20.8
17. North Carolina
In the last five years, North Carolina has gone through some major changes — and not for the better. Drug deaths have increased 25%, from 13 to 16.2 per every 100,000 residents. Obesity has also increased 8%, impacting 32.1% of adults. The state also has high incidences of chlamydia and other dangerous diseases.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 20thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 23rdJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 16thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 20thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 18th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 19.4
16. Alaska
The good news for Alaska is it has one of the most active communities across the country. The bad news is residents still have a top obesity ranking, a high percentage of smokers and an increasing rate of violent crime.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 43rdCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 10thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 15thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 9thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 19th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 19.2
15. South Dakota
South Dakota has a major air quality problem, as the increased rate of forest fires continues to lower the air quality for most of its residents. At the same time, nearly 10% of all adult South Dakotans have reported frequent mental distress, according to the CDC.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 8thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 13thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 25thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 22ndUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 26th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 18.8
14. Michigan
Michigan is facing a drug overdose challenge. In the last 10 years, drug deaths increased 106%, from 10.1 to 20.8 deaths per every 100,000 residents. More people die of drug overdoses than car crashes throughout the state.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 25thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 14thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 17thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 19thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 17th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 18.4
13. Georgia
Georgia has a number of challenges impacting its communities. For starters, it has a high percentage of uninsured residents. There is also low immunization coverage for children and a high prevalence of low birthweight babies born statewide. On the plus side, children living in poverty decreased 23% in the last five years.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 13thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 28thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 13thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 24thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 12th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 18
12. Missouri
Missouri is in the midst of a major crime wave. St. Louis, home of the Gateway Arch, has had the nation’s highest big-city murder rate every year since 2014. Statistically speaking, there are 530 violent crimes committed for every 100,000 Missouri residents.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 27thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 6thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 12thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 17thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 13th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 15
11. Ohio
Ohio has one of the largest smoking populations in the country, with 21.1% of all adult Ohioans are smokers. At the same time, millions of people in Ohio continue to be exposed to excessive amounts of air pollution. The city of Cincinnati ranks among the 10 most populated areas with the highest levels of air pollution.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 28thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 4thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 14thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 11thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 11th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 13.6
10. South Carolina
South Carolina finds itself at number 10 on the list for several reasons. The state is challenged with a high prevalence of diabetes and a high premature death rate. It also has one of the poorest physical fitness records and an ever increasing obese population.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 3rdCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 20thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 9thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 10thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 8th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 10
9. Tennessee
Premature deaths and cancer deaths are top issues in Tennessee. One of the main reasons the state could be faced with such challenges is the high rate of smokers. Tennessee has the seventh highest population of smokers in the country.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 7thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 7thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 8thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 16thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 9th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 9.4
8. Indiana
Indiana residents have a problem staying active, resulting in almost 30% of all adults being classified as physically inactive. Minimal physical activity puts residents at greater risk of developing the major health challenges plaguing Indiana, including obesity and frequent mental distress.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 4thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 8thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 11thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 12thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 10th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 9
7. Oklahoma
Oklahoma has the third highest obesity rate per state, with 36.5% of residents tipping the scales. At the same time, 14% of the population are uninsured, leaving many to avoid seeing doctors for treatment. As a result, cardiovascular deaths are on the rise, increasing 5% in the past three years.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 10thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 17thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 5thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 3rdUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 4th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 7.8
6. Louisiana
One of the leading challenges facing Louisianans is the high percentage of children living in poverty. An upsetting 28% of all children in the Pelican State currently live below the poverty level. This is partly caused by a statewide lack of access to enough food, good jobs and education for its citizens statewide.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 16thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 9thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 4thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 6thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 1st
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 7.2
5. Alabama
Alabama has faced many challenges in the last few years. Obesity increased 13%, diabetes increased 19% and drug deaths increased 26%. The state also has a high cardiovascular death rate and ranks third for contracting the most dangerous diseases.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 11thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 12thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 3rdCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 5thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 3rd
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 6.8
4. Arkansas
Arkansas is the first state in the countdown to rank in the top 10 on each of the ranking lists. That puts residents of the state at risk of some major health challenges. According to the United Health Foundation, the people of Arkansas suffer physical and mental distress at dangerous levels.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 5thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 3rdJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 6thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 7thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 5th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 5.2
3. Kentucky
Kentucky ranks third on the list due to its number of smokers and poor physical fitness rankings. It also faces a major life expectancy challenge. The top eight counties in America with the largest declines in life expectancy since 1980 are all in Kentucky.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 2ndCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 2ndJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 7thCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 8thUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 6th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 5
2. West Virginia
West Virginia comes in second on the overall list but ranks highest in number of smokers and rate of obesity. About 26% of all West Virginians are smokers, and almost 40% of all adults qualify as obese. Unfortunately, West Virginia’s next generation risks following in those dangerous footsteps, as more than 25% of children live with limited resources.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 6thCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 1stJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 2ndCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 1stUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 7th
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 3.4
1. Mississippi
Mississippi ranks as the least healthy state in America. They rank the highest for physical inactivity and highest risk of disease. Diabetes and cancer are both on the rise, and the state has one of the highest infant mortality rates.
CDC’s Worst Physical Fitness Ranking: 1stCDC’s Highest Rate of Smokers Ranking: 5thJAMA’s Highest Risk of Disease Ranking: 1stCDC’s Highest Obesity Ranking: 2ndUHF’s Worst Health Ranking: 2nd
Average Score for Least Healthy State in America: 2.2
