New Study Ranks All 50 States by Health Priorities

Findings

Vermont ranks first with a Health Score of 100. Vermont residents demonstrate strong physical activity levels at 33.7% and healthy eating habits. The state maintains excellent healthcare coverage at 96.6% and registers 123 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents. Vermont, benefiting from lots of open spaces, also shows low smoking and obesity rates.  

New York secures second place with a Health Score of 98. The Empire State has strong insurance coverage at 95.2% and features a low share of smokers at 9.3%. New York leads in healthcare infrastructure, and its physical activity levels reach 30.8% among adults. The state also sustains moderate alcohol consumption at 2.21 gallons annually and low rates of obesity.

California ranks third, posting a 96-point Health Score. California has one of the lowest smoking rates at just 8.5% and fares well in active lifestyle metrics. The state leads in fitness infrastructure with 5,123 health clubs and provides solid healthcare access with 90 primary care physicians. California's 93.6% insurance coverage rate and low obesity levels at 27.7% also contribute to its high ranking.

Massachusetts holds fourth place and gets 93 in Health Score. Massachusetts achieves the highest insurance coverage rate at 97.4% and shows good numbers in physician access. The state has high physical activity levels at 31.1% and keeps smoking rates low at 9.8%. With 1,128 health clubs statewide and moderate alcohol consumption, Massachusetts demonstrates a strong health commitment.

Connecticut ranks fifth with a Health Score of 90. The Constitution State maintains 94.3% insurance coverage and features 95 primary care physicians. Connecticut achieves the second-lowest smoking rates at 8.4%, while physical activity levels reach 31.4%. Local residents maintain positive nutritional habits with a high consumption of fruit and vegetables. The state also registers a total of 678 health clubs and many open spaces.

Colorado secures sixth place with a Health Score of 88. The Centennial State sustains the highest physical activity levels among top-ranking states at 35.4% and records low obesity rates at 24.9%. Colorado features 898 health clubs and 90.2 primary care physicians, while insurance coverage reaches 93.3%.

New Jersey ranks seventh, posting an 86 Health Score. New Jersey has 92.8% insurance coverage. It provides 1,398 health clubs and 85 primary care physicians. Physical activity levels reach 31.3%, while smoking rates stay low at 9.1%. The state also shows high rates of fruit and vegetable consumption.

Hawaii holds eighth place with a Health Score of 83. The state achieves exceptional insurance coverage at 96.8% and maintains low smoking rates at 9.0%. Hawaii features excellent physician access with 103. The state’s vast natural environment and healthy lifestyle culture support strong wellness outcomes.

Utah ranks ninth, showing a Health Score of 81. The Beehive State leads in low smoking rates at just 6.0% and maintains low alcohol consumption at only 1.35 gallons. Utah demonstrates solid physical activity levels at 33.1% and provides 300 health clubs statewide. The state also shows 92.0% insurance coverage rates.

Rhode Island completes the top 10 Health Score of 80. Rhode Island has extensive insurance coverage at 95.5% and excellent physician access with 110 primary care doctors. The state benefits from natural beauty access and holds 152 health clubs despite its small size. Physical activity levels reach 29.9%, while the state shows high fruit and vegetable consumption patterns.

"The data reveals a clear pattern where states investing in both healthcare infrastructure and lifestyle promotion achieve the best health outcomes," says Kota Kubo, CEO and co-founder of Ubie Health. "The proof of this is how Northeastern states consistently outperform others by maintaining comprehensive approaches that address prevention, access, and lifestyle factors simultaneously. The findings suggest that effective health policy requires coordinated investment across multiple domains rather than focusing on single interventions."