Here’s some encouraging news for folks in Seattle and around Washington: our state was named one of the 10 healthiest in the nation this week. According to America’s Health Rankings, Washington placed firmly in the top tier based on a wide-ranging analysis of health and well-being across the U.S.
The rankings, produced by the United Health Foundation (established by UnitedHealth Group), combine 99 different health measures from 31 data sources, including the CDC. The result is a detailed snapshot of health at both the state and national levels. This year’s report card highlighted several positive nationwide trends: premature deaths declined, along with drug-related deaths, firearm deaths, and homicides. At the same time, cancer screening rates, physical activity, and volunteerism all increased.
The report also flagged areas of concern. E-cigarette use and the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions continued to rise. In 2025, homelessness and unemployment increased, both of which are key social factors tied to health outcomes. Air pollution levels were also higher than the year before.
So how did Washington stack up? Our state ranked #7 overall, placing us among the healthiest states in the country. The states are ranked based on factors such as social and economic conditions, environment, access to care, health behaviors, and outcomes.
Here’s the top 10 healthiest states in 2025:
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- Connecticut
- Utah
- Minnesota
- Washington
- Maryland
- Hawaii
- Rhode Island
See the full rankings and scores in the graph below:

Curious what it takes to claim the top spot? New Hampshire was named the healthiest state for the fourth year in a row. It ranked in the top five for Social and Economic Factors (No. 1), Behaviors (No. 2), Clinical Care (No. 3), and Health Outcomes (No. 2), and came in ninth for Physical Environment. Key strengths included low rates of non-medical drug use, high high school graduation rates, and low adult e-cigarette use.
At the other end of the spectrum, Louisiana ranked last for the fourth consecutive year. The state continues to face challenges such as a high economic hardship index, elevated homicide rates, and a high incidence of chlamydia.
America’s Health Rankings is the longest-running state-by-state health assessment in the U.S., published annually since 1990. In 2025, the report added three new indicators: heat-related emergency department visits, homelessness, and neighborhood racial and ethnic segregation.
As Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, emphasized, the real value of this data lies in how it’s used:
Ultimately, data are most powerful when they drive action — and every state has the opportunity to use these insights to make measurable, lasting improvements in health and well-being.”
For Washington residents, this ranking is a welcome sign of encouragement that we’re on the right track—and a reminder of where continued attention can make an even bigger difference. You can see the full report here.