The United Health Foundation has published the 2025 America’s Health Rankings Annual Report, the 36th edition of America’s Health Rankings of the health of each state. The data and rankings help leaders identify what’s working, where progress is needed and how to transform insight into measurable improvement.
New Jersey ranked No. 11 this year. The state has ranked as high as eighth on the list in 2018.
Among the positives for New Jersey in the report were the state reported a 29% increase in colorectal cancer screenings among adults ages 45-75 between 2022 and 2024 and there was a low prevalence of frequent mental distress among only 13.2% of adults. There is also a low prevalence of obesity and cigarette smoking among New Jersey residents.
Homicides are down 26% from 4.2 to 3.1 deaths per 100,000 population between 2020-2021 and 2022-2023. New Jersey is the fifth-highest state with the fewer occupational fatalities per 100,000 and is second in fewest firearm deaths.
On the flip side, the report said there was a low prevalence of primary care providers with only around 245 per 100,000 population. Homelessness rose 22% from 11.0 to 13.4 people per 10,000 population between 2023 and 2024. The report also found a high prevalence of physical inactivity.
The report features 99 health and well-being measures. Some of the key national findings include:
- Premature death decreased 8% between 2022 and 2023.
- Drug deaths fell 3% between 2022 and 2023 — the first improvement since 2018.
- Cancer screenings increased 15% between 2022 and 2024.
- Adults living with three or more chronic conditions rose 6% (from 10.7% to 11.3% of adults) between 2023 and 2024, with the largest increase (17%) among adults ages 18–44.
- Homelessness surged 16% between 2023 and 2024.
- Avoiding care due to cost increased 8% between 2023 and 2024.
- Physical inactivity reached its healthiest level since tracking began.
The report said the healthiest state was New Hampshire, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Utah. Louisiana was the least healthy, followed by Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and West Virginia.
“In this year’s Annual Report, we see progress across the nation, including improvements in mortality, stabilizing trends in measures of behavioral health and progress in several measures of clinical care,” said Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, executive vice president and chief medical officer, UnitedHealth Group.
“These are encouraging findings. The report also reveals areas for improvement within the social and economic domains that shape health. The data also show the distinct challenges faced by different communities, including rural America, that must be addressed through tailored interventions.”
