Niche.com has issued its annual ranking of the health of the residents of all of Pennsylvania’s counties. While Indiana County does fare so well in comparison to its neighbors or the state as a whole, it still earns a passing grade of “B(Minus)”.
Indiana County ranks 52nd of the 67 counties. Among our neighbors, Westmoreland is 14th, Cambria 20th, Clearfield 38th, Jefferson 47th, and Cambria ranks 49th.
The rankings use key health indicators taken from data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Census. Those factors include physical inactivity, obesity, excessive drinking, smoking, and access to doctors, mental health providers, and recreation and fitness facilities.
Indiana County’s B (Minus) breaks down to an A (Minus) in nightlife, a B for health & fitness jobs, and outdoor activities, B(Plus) for commuting, B(Minuses) in public schools, housing, “good for families”, cost of living, and crime & safety, a C(Plus) in diversity, and a C(minus) in weather.
The state’s three healthiest counties are Montgomery, Chester, and Cumberland. The three least healthy counties are Cameron, Fulton, and Forest.
