Wood County ranks ninth on list of healthiest Ohio counties

Wood County has earned recognition as one of the healthiest counties in the state of Ohio, ranking ninth out of all 88 counties in the latest County Health Rankings. This ranking comes from data that measures both health outcomes (how long and how well people live) and health factors (behaviours and conditions that influence health).

What the Ranking Means

The County Health Rankings & Roadmaps study evaluates counties across a variety of measures including smoking and drinking habits, education levels, poverty rates, and access to clinical care. Wood County’s high placement reflects positive trends in several of these areas.

Strong Health Behaviours

Wood County residents tend to practice healthier lifestyles than many other Ohio counties:

• Only about 9% of adults smoke, compared to 24% statewide.
• Around 11% of adults binge drink, lower than Ohio’s 16% average.
• The teen birth rate in Wood County is almost half the state rate.

These behaviours help boost the county’s overall health profile and contribute to its strong ranking.

Education and Economic Strength

Education and socioeconomic factors also play a role. In Wood County:

• A high percentage of students graduate from high school.
• Many adults have college degrees, which often correlates with healthier lifestyles and better access to resources.
• Fewer children live in poverty compared to the state average, reducing health risks tied to economic hardship.
• These advantages support better health outcomes for families and individuals across the community.

What This Means for Residents

Ranking ninth shows that Wood County is doing well in balancing prevention, education, and community support to improve quality of life. While every community has room to grow, this recognition highlights the county’s efforts to promote healthier living for its residents.

A Broader Perspective

Health rankings like this help local officials, health providers, and residents understand where progress is being made and where improvements are still needed. They measure things like behaviour, clinical care, economic stability, and the physical environment all key parts of community well‑being.

Conclusion

Wood County’s placement in the top ten of Ohio’s healthiest counties is a clear sign of its community’s strong health habits, supportive economic environment, and focus on well being. This achievement not only boosts local pride but also provides a road map for continuing health improvements in the years ahead.

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