How Is Your County’s Health? New Study Ranks Iowa Health

A recent report from the University of Wisconsin ranks all of Iowa’s 99 counties from healthiest to least healthy.  Each year the University’s Population Health Institute compiles this list for all 50 states as a way to help give guidance to community leaders on ways they can improve.

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Michael Stevenson, a team leader for the project says that there are a number of factors the rankings go off of.

What's important to understand is that every county has its strengths and weaknesses. So even though a county may be ranked low in comparison to other counties within the state, there are things that they're doing well, but there are also opportunities for them to make a difference, and to really improve the conditions that help us all be healthy.

Some of the factors the rankings look at are the length of life, quality of life, health factors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the overall physical environment.

So, what are the healthiest counties in Iowa?

What's important to note is that in the 2022 rankings, deaths that are attributed to COVID-19 in 2020 are included in the data. This data would be reflected in the length of life category.

This year, the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute did choose to focus on economic security as the pandemic brought about some overlooked barriers.

Now, we can't talk about the healthiest counties and not look to the bottom of the rankings to see what the least healthy counties in the state are.

Find the full ranking here.