Full Breakdown
WalletHub Ranks Healthiest and Unhealthiest Cities in America
3/30/2026, 9:31:18 PM
Overview of the Rankings
A recent report by WalletHub has evaluated and ranked the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the United States, providing insights into how urban environments impact residents' health. The analysis compared over 180 of the largest U.S. cities using 41 indicators across four dimensions: health care, food, fitness, and green space. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with cities ranked based on their weighted averages.
Healthiest Cities
The report identified the ten healthiest cities as follows:
1. San Francisco, California
2. San Diego, California
3. Seattle, Washington
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
5. Portland, Oregon
6. Washington, D.C.
7. Denver, Colorado
8. Honolulu, Hawaii
9. Austin, Texas
10. Scottsdale, Arizona
San Francisco topped the list, attributed to its low obesity rates and high access to physical activity options. Notably, 100% of its residents live near facilities for physical activity, and the city has significant spending on parks and recreation. San Diego followed closely, recognized for its healthy restaurant options and numerous hiking trails. Seattle ranked third, boasting the highest physical activity rate in the country, with 87% of adults active in the past month.
Unhealthiest Cities
Conversely, the cities that ranked lowest in health were:
1. Brownsville, Texas
2. Gulfport, Mississippi
3. Laredo, Texas
4. Shreveport, Louisiana
5. Fort Smith, Arkansas
6. Huntington, West Virginia
7. Toledo, Ohio
8. Corpus Christi, Texas
9. Montgomery, Alabama
10. Memphis, Tennessee
These cities face challenges related to access to healthcare, recreational facilities, and healthy food options, contributing to their lower health rankings.
Expert Insights
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo emphasized the dual role of personal responsibility and environmental factors in health outcomes. He stated, “Staying healthy is a personal responsibility, and everyone should strive to eat nutritious food, exercise regularly and look after their mental health. However, where people live can have a big influence on how successful they are at staying in good health, so the best cities are the ones that provide the greatest access to high-quality healthcare, green spaces, recreation centers, and healthy food.”
Implications of the Rankings
The findings from WalletHub's report highlight the importance of urban planning and public policy in promoting health. Cities that invest in healthcare access, green spaces, and recreational facilities may foster healthier populations. Conversely, those that lack such resources may struggle with higher rates of obesity and related health issues.
What's Next
WalletHub continues to publish studies and reports that assess various aspects of urban living, aiming to inform residents and policymakers about health-related trends and opportunities for improvement.
