U.S. States and Demographics

A new America's Health Rankings report from the United Health Foundation, released today, compiles 99 measures from 31 data sources to produce a state-by-state health scorecard, finding declines in premature death, drug deaths, firearm deaths and homicides alongside higher rates of cancer screening, physical activity and volunteerism. The report names New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Utah as the healthiest states and West Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana as the least healthy, while also flagging rising e-cigarette use, multiple chronic conditions, homelessness and unemployment as emerging concerns.