1 / 10

The 8 healthiest states in America, according to a new report

The 8 healthiest states in America, according to a new report

New data ranks the eight healthiest states in America based on factors like air quality, fitness access, and life expectancy

By

Health in the U.S. is often sold as a personal responsibility. However, the data seems to disagree.

Where people live plays an outsized role in how healthy they are and how long they live. A Healthy States Index analysis highlighted by StudyFinds shows that access to clean air, parks, gyms, and healthy food can matter as much as individual habits.

The eight healthiest states do not share a single formula, but they share conditions that lower the cost of making healthy choices. Pollution is low. Outdoor space is abundant. Walking routes, parks, and fitness facilities are easy to find rather than hard to justify. In these places, movement fits into daily life instead of competing with it.

These states are not immune to health challenges — they simply make better outcomes more likely. Across the full ranking, life expectancy can vary by nearly a decade depending on where someone lives. That gap is not accidental. It reflects years of policy choices, urban planning decisions, and investment priorities.

Here are eight of the healthiest states in the U.S.

2 / 9

8. Maryland

Liz Guertin / Unsplash

According to the analysis, Maryland rounds out the top eight, earning its spot through relatively strong access to wellness facilities and health services compared with many states.

3 / 9

7. Massachusetts

Michael Baccin / Unsplash

Massachusetts lands just above Maryland, according to the report, distinguished by an impressive 79.6-year life expectancy, reflecting widespread access to care and preventive services.

4 / 9

6. Colorado

Mike Scheid / Unsplash

Colorado edges ahead with abundant fitness infrastructure — 16.53 gyms per 100,000 residents — supporting physical activity that boosts its overall wellness score, according to the report.

5 / 9

5. Utah

Solo Travelgoals / Unsplash

Utah cracks the top five, anchored by one of the lowest smoking rates among top performers, showing how behavioral norms shape health outcomes.

6 / 9

4. Maine

Mercedes Mehling / Unsplash

Maine leverages the nation’s highest park concentration per capita, according to the report, illustrating how environmental assets can help foster healthier lives even with fewer traditional gyms.

7 / 9

3. Washington

Toan Chu / Unsplash

Washington state is bolstered by more than 1,400 parks and extensive walking and running routes that promote everyday activity across age groups, according to the data.

8 / 9

2. New Hampshire

Suraj Gattani / Unsplash

The report shows that New Hampshire claims second place, driven by exceptionally low pollution levels and abundant outdoor recreation that support strong health outcomes.

9 / 9

1. Vermont

Patrick Bald / Unsplash

Vermont tops the Healthy States Index, leading the nation in access to healthy food stores, parks, and clean air — all of which correlate to longer, healthier lives.