13. New York
New York maintained its 13th spot on this year’s list. Over the long term, however, the Empire State is steadily improving its residents’ health relative to other states. In 1990, it was the 9th unhealthiest state in the country.
Strengths: Low prevalence of obesity; high number of primary care physicians; low premature death rates.
Challenges: Low percentage of high school graduation; high prevalence of physical inactivity; high percentage of children in poverty.
