Here Are The 10 Unhealthiest Counties In Mississippi
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Daniella DiRienzo
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It’s pretty common knowledge that Mississippi doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to being health conscious. In fact, the state is consistently ranked among the unhealthiest in the nation. But what about within the state? With the help of the website, County Health Rankings, we determined the ten healthiest counties in Mississippi. Check out the list below to see how your county ranked.
Approximately 35,000 residents call Leflore County home. According to the study by County Health rankings, 42% of those residents are considered obese and 30% in poor or fair health. The county also reported nearly ten times the amount of STIs than that of other states in the nation.
Home to just over 10,000, Montgomery County is filled with quintessential small towns and rural farmlands. Coming in 74th overall, 22% of the county’s residents are considered to be in poor or fair health. Additionally, 38% of adult residents are considered to be obese and 34% labeled physically inactive.
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Home to over 50,000 residents, Washington County is part of the Greenville Micropolitan Statistical Area. The county, which ranked 75th overall, has an obesity rate of 41%, with 27% of residents considered to be in poor or fair health.
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Part of the Cleveland Micropolitan Statistical Area, Bolivar County is home to about 35,000 residents. Although this county ranked 76th overall, it has a relatively high percentage of residents considered to be in poor or fair health. At 28%, the amount of Bolivar County residents in this state of health is more than double that of some other states in the nation.
Named after a former Mississippi governor, Quitman County is one of the least populated in the state. The county can be found in the northern part of the state, and according to findings by County Health Rankings, Quitman County didn’t fare well in terms of physical activity and average birth weights, with 18% of births resulting in a low birth weight.
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Known for its high rate of catfish production, Humphreys County is situated in the Delta. The county ranked 78th, which is attributed to factors such as a smoking rate nearly double that of other states and an obesity rate of almost 50%.
Located in the Delta region, this county is most widely known as the site of Teddy Roosevelt’s famous bear hunt, but according to County Health Rankings, Sharkey County should also be associated with a high premature death rate, an obesity rate of 41%, and a physical inactivity rate of 38%.
Bordered on either side by the Yazoo River and the Big Black River, Holmes County is situated partially in the state’s Delta region. According to County Health Rankings, this county has an obesity rate of 47% and a physical inactivity rate of 38%, which makes sense since the county scored only 25% when it came to residents having access to exercise opportunities. To put that number into perspective, the nation’s top performers scored 91%.
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One of the smallest counties in Mississippi in terms of population, Jefferson County is located in the southwestern portion of the state. The county comes in at the second unhealthiest, with 35% of residents considered to be in poor or fair health, a high number of sexually transmitted infections, and a low birth weight rate of 17%, which is nearly three times the rate of some other states.
Located in the northwestern region of the state, Coahoma County is home to just under 30,000. This county was given an overall rank of 82, making it the unhealthiest in the entire state. Compared to other states in the nation, Coahoma County scored unfavorably in categories such as the number of residents in poor or fair health, obesity, and physical inactivity.
Were you surprised by this list?
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