LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It's official, Kentucky is no longer one of the unhealthiest states in the United States.
In previous years, Kentucky has ranked poorly when it comes to the health of community members. A recent study shows Kentucky still ranked low nationally but getting better.
The 2023 America's Health Rankings from the United Health Foundation ranks Kentucky 41st among the 50 states based on several factors including physical health, behavioral health and socioeconomic metrics.
In this same annual study, from 2016 through 2021, Kentucky was firmly one of the unhealthiest states ranked 45th. Last year, Kentucky rose to 43rd. While this year's 41st ranking leaves room for improvement, its showing a positive trend toward good health.
Kentucky rankings that show Kentucky's progress:
- 40th in obesity, compared to 48th in 2022
- 10th for percentage of adults who receive colorectal screenings, compared to 20th in 2022
- 42nd for percentage of adults who get sufficient physical activity, compared to 45th in 2022
- 42nd for percentage of households with high-speed internet, compared to 44th in 2022. (High-speed internet provides Kentuckians access to telehealth, as well as greater access to a world of helpful health and medical information.)
- 2nd for percentage of adults who drink excessively, compared to 5th in 2022
- 1st for percentage of residents with fluoridated water
- 13th for percentage of population with health insurance
- 11th for availability of primary care providers
- 11th for fruit and vegetable consumption
Kentucky rankings that show the need for improvement in health:
- 46th in tobacco use, compared to 45th in 2022
- 49th for adults with multiple chronic conditions
- 49th for percentage of adults who exercise
- 47th for drug-related deaths
- 47th for non-medical drug use
- 43rd for percentage of households experiencing food insecurity
Looking at Kentucky's neighbors, Indiana ranked 35th, Tennessee ranked 44th, West Virginia ranked 45th and Ohio ranked 36th. If you're interested in a state-by-state summary of the findings of the study, click here.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.
