When I came across the recent Forbes report ranking the healthiest and least healthy cities in the U.S., I couldn’t stop reading. It’s not every day you find hard data that lays out just how much your zip code affects your health. Some cities are struggling with preventable diseases, limited healthcare access, and lifestyle challenges. Meanwhile, others are practically thriving hubs of wellness, with clean air and walkable neighborhoods.
I’ll admit, I’ve always been fascinated by how the places we live shape our lives. Is it the food, the culture, or something more structural like healthcare access? This analysis digs deep into factors like obesity rates, preventable deaths, and even air quality. Spoiler, the differences are massive.
Now, before you get defensive about where your city lands, remember these rankings aren’t the whole story. They highlight systemic issues, not personal failings, and plenty of cities on the “sick” list are already working hard to turn things around.
But for now, let’s get into the 10 cities that face the biggest health challenges, and the 5 that seem to have cracked the code for living well, starting with the former.
1. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit tops the list as the least healthy city in America. High rates of preventable deaths, limited healthcare access, and widespread poverty are major issues here.
Obesity and smoking are widespread, contributing to chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. Local groups are working to improve health by increasing the number of individuals and families covered by healthcare insurance and investing heavily in preventative care services.
2. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee faces significant health challenges, with the city ranking highest in the country for binge drinking and deaths associated with opioid overdoses. Economic disparities exacerbate these issues. These problems reflect a need for increased health education as well as access to quality healthcare.
Community plans are in place to prioritize the elimination of structural racism to improve community safety and improve equity and access in essential areas of care like child and maternal health.
3. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis struggles with obesity, smoking, and preventable hospitalizations. Residents also report lower life satisfaction, which links back to poor health outcomes.
Known for its music and BBQ, Memphis has cultural richness that contrasts sharply with its health metrics. The community are starting with young people by bringing school-based health centers to areas most in need to try and break the cycle of chronic disease.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia’s health challenges include high rates of heart disease, smoking, and preventable deaths. Many of the preventable deaths are closely linked to general inactivity in the community, but limited healthcare access in lower-income neighborhoods compounds these problems.
Efforts to improve wellness and preventative care are gaining traction, but there’s still a long road ahead. Current community concerns are being addressed through the implementation of violence prevention programs and increasing access to care for vulnerable populations, including mental health.
5. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa struggles with chronic diseases like hypertension (high blood pressure) and heart disease. Limited access to healthcare and recreational spaces further impact residents’ health.
Programs promoting Medicaid for students and families to ensure more people have access to care. Meanwhile, heart disease prevention through education around nutrition, stress management, and physical exercise are all a part of the community health improvement plan for Tulsa.
6. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis grapples with obesity, smoking, and preventable deaths. The city’s car-centric infrastructure makes it harder to promote incidental physical activity and active living.
Progress is being made with construction of pedestrian paths and bike lanes in the general community. In the school sector, big changes targeting physical education and nutrition programs, such as Farm to School, are being implemented to break the cycle of obesity.
7. Las Vegas, Nevada
Known for its nightlife and entertainment, Las Vegas faces high rates of obesity and smoking, which is compounded by limited access to preventative healthcare. While the city is renowned for fun, it’s also grappling with long-term health challenges that require systemic change.
Las Vegas is targeting the social determinants of health and access to healthcare infrastructure through the Nevada Health Equity Action Plan (HEAP) to create organizational change throughout the community.
8. Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville struggles with high rates of smoking and cancer-related deaths. Obesity and poor air quality also contribute to its low ranking.
Efforts to improve healthcare access and create more recreational spaces are beginning to take root. Addressing chronic health issues at their roots has also taken priority in future care planning. Improving these issues will reduce hospital appearances for related issues (e.g. improving air quality and reducing smoking rates to reduce the number of hospitalizations amongst asthmatics).
9. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville faces similar issues to other cities on this list, including high rates of obesity, smoking, and heart disease. The irony of this particular city being on the list of least healthy cities in the U.S. relates to the fact that Nashville’s health resources rank amongst the highest in the country, proving that healthcare doesn’t happen passively.
It’s in addressing the social drivers of health that Nashville finds itself needing the most improvement. By improving social issues around housing, diet, and improving walking and bike paths, the city intends to turn the community around.
10. Columbus, Ohio
Columbus rounds out the list with high rates of obesity and preventable deaths. Like with Nashville, healthcare access in Columbus is better than in some of the other cities on this list, but lifestyle factors drag the city’s health metrics down.
Community health programs are making slow but steady progress, offering hope for future improvement in areas of stable housing, mental health, eliminating racial disparities in healthcare, and improving infant and maternal healthcare.
What Separates the Healthy From the Sick?
What makes one city thrive while another struggles? Forbes found that factors like access to high-quality healthcare, walkable neighborhoods, and recreational spaces play a huge role. But it’s not just about infrastructure, cultural attitudes toward health and wellness can make a difference, too.
Cities that invest in preventative care, clean environments, and community wellness programs tend to see the most success. It’s a combination of resources, education, and leadership that pushes them to the top.
For those on the “sick” list, change is possible, it just takes time, effort, and a commitment to public health. The healthiest cities on this list prove that progress is within reach.
1. San Jose, California
San Jose ranks as one of the healthiest cities thanks to its walkable neighborhoods, outdoor spaces, and access to top-tier healthcare.
Residents embrace active living, from yoga in the park to hiking trails nearby. Even with its high cost of living, San Jose sets a strong example for urban wellness.
2. Austin, Texas
Austin’s vibrant culture doesn’t just include live music and great food, it also fosters a strong outdoor lifestyle.
From paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake to jogging along the Barton Creek Greenbelt, residents have no shortage of ways to stay active.
3. Seattle, Washington
Seattle combines low obesity rates, high physical activity, and excellent access to healthcare. The city’s natural beauty encourages outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.
Its commitment to sustainability and active living makes it a standout on this list.
4. San Diego, California
San Diego’s coastal location and sunny weather promote an active lifestyle, with residents often seen biking, surfing, or hiking.
The city also benefits from excellent healthcare facilities and abundant fresh produce, contributing to its spot among the healthiest cities.
5. Denver, Colorado
Denver’s high altitude might take your breath away, but its residents are used to it, and they stay active year-round with skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The city’s focus on wellness and sustainability, along with its clean air, makes it a leader in urban health.
15 Least Liveable Cities in the US
Moving to a new city can be exciting, but it’s also a decision that requires a bit of caution, especially when considering factors like job availability, safety, and community resources.
Here’s a countdown of the cities that, according to data, face some serious obstacles to livability. Let’s take a look at what these places offer, and what makes life there harder than other places.
15 Least Liveable Cities in the US
15 Reasons Certain States Are Experiencing an Exodus
California’s beaches, New York’s energy, the vastness of Texas – each state embodies a piece of the American dream. But for many across the nation, that dream is fading.
Why are people leaving certain states in masses? Sky-high taxes, crushing congestion, political divisions, and even natural disasters push people to pack their bags and seek a better life elsewhere.
15 Reasons Certain States Are Experiencing an Exodus
The 20 Happiest Cities in the US
Happiness… it’s that elusive thing we all chase. Sure, moments of contentment can happen anywhere, but some cities just seem to have that special something that fosters a greater sense of joy and well-being in their residents. Is it the weather? The job opportunities? The sense of community?
The 20 Happiest Cities in the US
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
