Health is one of the most overlooked factors when people choose where to live in the United States, yet it shapes everything from life expectancy to daily quality of life. The healthiest states combine strong healthcare access, healthy behaviors, and low rates of chronic disease.
America’s Health Rankings, the long-running annual report from the United Health Foundation, measures all of this across dozens of indicators. Below we rank the ten healthiest states in the US for 2026 based on that data, with each state’s health index and what sets it apart, plus an honest note on why rankings can differ.
Healthiest States in the US at a Glance
| Rank | State | Health Index | Region | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 0.99 | Northeast | Healthcare access and income |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 0.91 | Northeast | World-class hospitals |
| 3 | Vermont | 0.91 | Northeast | Healthy behaviors |
| 4 | Connecticut | 0.68 | Northeast | Strong healthcare access |
| 5 | Utah | 0.64 | West | Low smoking and obesity |
| 6 | Minnesota | 0.63 | Midwest | Preventive care |
| 7 | Washington | 0.61 | West | Active lifestyle |
| 8 | Maryland | 0.59 | Northeast | Medical research hubs |
| 9 | Hawaii | 0.54 | Pacific | Longevity and low obesity |
| 10 | Rhode Island | 0.51 | Northeast | Insurance coverage |
The 10 Healthiest States in the US, Ranked
1. New Hampshire: The Healthiest State in America
Health Index: 0.99 | Region: Northeast | Known For: Healthcare access and high incomes
New Hampshire ranks as the healthiest state in the US for 2026, powered by strong healthcare infrastructure, high insurance coverage, and above-average incomes. Those factors translate into better preventive care and lower rates of untreated illness.
The state also benefits from low poverty and a stable, educated population, both closely tied to good health outcomes. Its no-income-tax structure adds financial breathing room, a perk we cover in our guide to states with no income tax.
2. Massachusetts: World-Class Hospitals and Coverage
Health Index: 0.91 | Region: Northeast | Known For: Elite medical institutions
Massachusetts ranks second on the strength of its renowned hospital systems and among the highest health insurance coverage rates in the country. Access to top academic medical centers gives residents an edge in both routine and specialized care.
High family incomes and education levels reinforce these outcomes, since both correlate strongly with health. The trade-off is a high cost of living, but for medical access, few states compete.
3. Vermont: Healthy Behaviors and Clean Living
Health Index: 0.91 | Region: Northeast | Known For: Active, low-obesity lifestyle
Vermont earns third place through healthy behaviors, posting low obesity and smoking rates alongside high physical activity. Its rural, outdoor-oriented culture encourages movement and time in nature.
Clean air and a tight-knit community add to strong mental and physical health metrics. For those who value an active, low-stress lifestyle, Vermont is a natural fit.
4. Connecticut: Access and Affluence
Health Index: 0.68 | Region: Northeast | Known For: Healthcare access and high income
Connecticut ranks fourth, combining strong healthcare access with some of the highest household incomes in the nation. That affluence supports better nutrition, preventive care, and insurance coverage.
Its proximity to major medical centers in New York and Boston widens options for specialized treatment. The result is consistently strong health outcomes across the state.
5. Utah: Low Smoking and Chronic Disease
Health Index: 0.64 | Region: West | Known For: Healthy behaviors and low disease
Utah is the top-ranked western state, standing out for the lowest smoking rates in the country and low levels of chronic disease. Cultural factors and an active, outdoor lifestyle drive these healthy behaviors.
A young population and strong community networks support both physical and mental health. Utah proves that behavior and lifestyle can rival wealth as drivers of good health.
6. Minnesota: A Model for Preventive Care
Health Index: 0.63 | Region: Midwest | Known For: Preventive care and coverage
Minnesota ranks sixth, long recognized for its emphasis on preventive care and high insurance coverage. Home to leading medical institutions, it delivers strong outcomes across chronic disease and maternal health.
An active population that embraces the outdoors year-round keeps obesity and inactivity low. Minnesota consistently ranks among the healthiest states in the Midwest.
7. Washington: An Active, Outdoor Culture
Health Index: 0.61 | Region: West | Known For: Physical activity and low obesity
Washington places seventh, driven by an active lifestyle culture and relatively low obesity and smoking rates. Access to mountains, water, and trails encourages year-round physical activity.
A strong economy anchored by the tech sector supports high insurance coverage and healthcare access. The Pacific Northwest’s outdoor focus pays clear health dividends.
8. Maryland: Medical Research at the Doorstep
Health Index: 0.59 | Region: Northeast | Known For: Research hospitals and access
Maryland ranks eighth, benefiting from proximity to world-leading medical research at Johns Hopkins and the National Institutes of Health. That concentration of expertise elevates care quality statewide.
High household incomes and strong insurance coverage round out its profile. For access to cutting-edge treatment, Maryland is hard to beat.
9. Hawaii: Longevity and Low Obesity
Health Index: 0.54 | Region: Pacific | Known For: Life expectancy and lifestyle
Hawaii ranks ninth, famous for among the highest life expectancy in the country and low obesity rates. Its climate encourages year-round outdoor activity and a diet rich in fresh food.
Strong community ties and lower stress levels contribute to excellent mental health metrics. The main drawback is the nation’s highest cost of living, which strains budgets despite the health benefits.
10. Rhode Island: Strong Coverage in a Small State
Health Index: 0.51 | Region: Northeast | Known For: High insurance coverage
Rhode Island rounds out the top ten with high health insurance coverage and solid healthcare access despite its small size. Compact geography keeps hospitals and clinics close for most residents.
Proximity to Boston’s medical centers adds specialized options within a short drive. It shows that small states can deliver big on health.
What the Healthiest States Have in Common
America’s Health Rankings evaluates states across behaviors, clinical care, health outcomes, and social and economic factors. The top performers tend to share high insurance coverage, strong incomes, and low rates of smoking and obesity.
Geography and wealth clearly matter, since the Northeast dominates the top ten alongside a few western and Pacific standouts. The pattern lines up with income too, as the healthiest states report well-above-average median incomes, according to healthiest states data.
Behavior is the other common thread, since low smoking rates, regular physical activity, and moderate drinking show up across nearly every top-ranked state. These habits are often cheaper to encourage than expensive medical interventions, which is why states with active outdoor cultures like Utah and Washington rank so highly despite lower incomes than the Northeast.
Why Health Rankings Sometimes Disagree
Not every study reaches the same order, and that is worth understanding. America’s Health Rankings places New Hampshire first, while a separate 2026 analysis using County Health Rankings data puts Utah on top, reflecting different metrics and weightings.
One approach may emphasize healthcare access and insurance, another healthy behaviors like low smoking and activity. When comparing lists, always check the methodology behind any ranking before trusting where a state lands.
How We Ranked the Healthiest States
This ranking is based on America’s Health Rankings 2026 data, which scores states across behaviors, clinical care, outcomes, and social factors. A higher index reflects stronger overall population health.
We present the official top ten with each state’s index and headline strength, then flag where cost of living complicates the picture. Health and affordability do not always align, so we note the trade-offs.
How to Weigh Health When Choosing Where to Live
Start with your own health priorities, since access to specialists matters most for those managing conditions or planning for retirement. A state with top hospitals can outweigh a lower cost of living as you age.
Then balance health against affordability, because many top-ranked states are expensive. Families weighing this trade-off can also review our best states to raise a family guide, which folds health and safety into the bigger picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest state in the US in 2026?
According to America’s Health Rankings, New Hampshire is the healthiest state in 2026, driven by strong healthcare access, high insurance coverage, and above-average incomes.
Why do healthiest-state rankings differ?
Different studies use different metrics and weightings. America’s Health Rankings emphasizes access and outcomes and ranks New Hampshire first, while County Health Rankings-based analyses often rank Utah on top.
Which region has the healthiest states?
The Northeast dominates, with New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maryland, and Rhode Island all in the top ten, joined by western standouts like Utah and Washington.
Are the healthiest states expensive to live in?
Often yes. Many top-ranked states, including Massachusetts and Hawaii, carry high costs of living, so residents trade affordability for stronger healthcare and health outcomes.
Does income affect state health rankings?
Strongly. The healthiest states report well-above-average median incomes, since higher earnings support better nutrition, insurance coverage, and access to preventive care.