Second annual U.S. News & World Report ranking puts seven Colorado communities in the top 25.
Colorado has got a lot going for it when comes to health, according to U.S. News & World Report. In its latest ranking, "Healthiest Communities in America," the Centennial State had more counties rank in the top 25 than any other state. The project scored nearly 3,000 counties on 81 indicators across 10 categories that drive overall community health. Population health, equity, and education were the most heavily weighted categories in the study.
"How well and how long you live are shaped by where you live. Local health outcomes are often driven by factors like a community’s economic performance, the strength of its education system, the availability and affordability of housing and myriad other elements that affect residents’ overall quality of life," says USnews.com. "The U.S. News Healthiest Communities rankings measure crucial health-related components of society with the aim of empowering citizens, health care leaders, and officials to make decisions about policies and practices that can improve health outcomes for all."
Douglas County took the top honors on this year's ranking, moving up one spot from its No. 2 finish last year. The county scored particularly well in measures of housing quality, household income, health insurance coverage, physical activity, and low environmental hazards. In addition, it's scored well in park access, walkability, and natural amenities. In addition, efforts to preserve open space and make it accessible also helped the rankings.
The county scored weaker in teen vaping rates, teen suicide rates, and housing and financial insecurity for those that may live in the area but can't afford it.
You can read more about the Douglas County's rankings on USNews.com.
The other counties that ranked in the top 25 in Colorado include Broomfield County (6), Chaffee County (11), Routt County (14), San Miguel County (17), Pitkin County (19), and Boulder County (20).
In addition to the overall national rankings, U.S. News & World Report also divided counties into peer groups based on urban-rural status and economic performance to allow for comparisons among similar communities. Check them out here.
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