LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A recent study by Forbes Advisor found that Kentucky is the fifth most unhealthy state in the United States.
To determine which states have the healthiest and least healthy populations, Forbes Advisor researches compared 21 factors across all 50 states within the following categories: disease risk factors and prevalence, substance abuse, lifestyle habits and health outlook.
The results reveal which states have the least healthy populations based on high rates of chronic disease, drug abuse and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
The Bluegrass State took fifth place as the least healthy state largely due to its communities' high risk for disease and lack of healthy lifestyle habits.
Kentucky health statistics:
- Third highest cancer mortality rate (178.27 deaths per 100,000 state residents)
- Third highest drug overdose death rate (45.77 deaths per 100,000 state residents)
- Fourth highest chronic lower respiratory disease mortality rate (58.7 deaths per 100,000 state residents)
- Fourth shortest life expectancy (74.77)
- Fourth highest percentage of adults who smoke (17.4%, tied with Mississippi)
- Fifth highest percentage of adults with diagnosed diabetes (12.3%)
- Sixth highest diabetes mortality rate (29.77 deaths per 100,000 state residents)
- Sixth highest percentage of adults with high blood pressure (39.9%)
- Seventh highest rate of heart disease deaths (206.13 deaths per 100,000 state residents)
- Seventh highest rate of kidney disease deaths (18.5 deaths per 100,000 state residents)
The number one least healthy U.S. state in this study is West Virginia. The Mountain State has the highest percentage of adults who smoke (21%) and the highest percentage of obese adults (41%).
Out of all 50 states, West Virginia also had the highest drug overdose death rate (75.03 per 100,000 state residents), more than 50% higher than the second-worst state (Delaware).
Four states that border Kentucky made the top ten least healthy U.S. states list; including, West Virginia (1), Tennessee (3), Ohio (9) and Indiana (10).
On the other side of the spectrum, Forbes Advisor researchers named Hawaii the healthiest state in the US. The Aloha State has the lowest chronic lower respiratory disease mortality rate (17.83 deaths per 100,000 state residents) and overall longest life expectancy nationwide (80.87 years).
Hawaii also reported the lowest alcohol-induced death rate of any other state (7.37 deaths per 100,000 state residents).
"If you live in one of these states, take action to improve your health by making lifestyle changes and taking advantage of preventive care. Your health is your most valuable asset," Forbes Advisor researchers said.
For a full list of the unhealthiest and healthiest U.S. states, click here.
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