The fifth annual County Health Rankings were recently released and it should be no surprise that Hamilton County was named the healthiest in the state – again.

The rankings, which are organized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, evaluated nearly every county in the country. It considers 29 factors including graduation rates, income, employment, physical activity, access to health care and access to healthy foods.

“Health habits start first in the home and are supported through neighborhoods, community coalitions, business, education and government – so, it’s not surprising to see that those counties with the infrastructure to support residents’ health have the most positive health outcomes,” said State Health Commissioner William VanNess, M.D. “These rankings demonstrate that where you live matters.”

Within Indiana, Hamilton County ranked first in health outcomes (first in length of life and third in quality of life) and tops in health factors (first in health behaviors, clinical care, and social and economic factors, and 36th in physical environment).

Two of the biggest drivers for poor health outcomes are obesity (22 percent, Hamilton County; 25 percent, top U.S. performers; and 31 percent, Indiana) and tobacco use (12 percent, Hamilton County; 14 percent, top U.S. performers; and 23 percent, Indiana).

The best protective factors include ensuring children are raised in a safe, healthy environment and graduate from high school (92 percent in Hamilton County).

VanNess said everyone has a role in advancing overall health outcomes. At the community level, more trails and recreation programming are offered. Hospitals are expanding their services (and sometimes buildings) constantly to provide more options for patients. We all know that Hamilton County is on a lot of “best of” lists and in addition to using that to attract businesses and residents, we now have statistic rankings stating it does matter that you live here.

To view the full report, visit www.countyhealthrankings.org.