Nevada is the most mountainous U.S. state, providing many hiking and biking opportunities for its residents. When it comes to overall health, Nevada ranks #39 out of 50. Despite the unhealthy status of Nevada, many of its residents choose to live a healthy lifestyle.
1. Lincoln County
Lincoln County was established in 1866 and its county seat is Pioche. With only 12% of its population experiencing poor to fair health, Lincoln County ranks #1 for overall quality of life.
2. Douglas County
Minden is the county seat of Douglas County. This Nevada county has eight parks and offers its residents a wide variety of recreational activities. With only 15% of its population experiencing poor to fair health, it's easy to understand why Douglas County is ranked as the second-healthiest county in the state.
3. Washoe County
Washoe County encompasses the cities of Reno and Sparks, with Reno being the county seat. Residents of Washoe County enjoy recreational activities such as skiing, fishing and hiking, with only 15% of them experiencing poor to fair health.
4. Carson City
Carson City was once Ormsby County until the Nevada State Legislature approved for it to be combined with Carson City in 1969, making it Nevada's only combined city government. Carson City is an independent city and the capital of Nevada. Poor to fair health is experienced by 18% of Carson City's population.
5. Elko County
Elko County is the fourth-largest county in the contiguous United States, and its county seat is Elko. Elko County has a high number of smokers and drinkers, and 18% of its population experiences poor to fair health.
6. Clark County
Clark County is best known for the city of Las Vegas, which is also the county seat. Other cities in Clark County include North Las Vegas, Boulder City, Henderson and Mesquite. With miles of hiking and biking trails scattered throughout Clark County, it's easy to understand why only 18% of its population experiences poor to fair health.
7. Storey County
Virginia City is the county seat of Storey County. With four county parks, several public outdoor areas, and a county pool, it's easy to understand why Storey County's residents are active and healthy. Poor to fair health is experienced by 16% of Storey County's population.
8. Pershing County
Pershing County was the last county to be established in Nevada. Its county seat is Lovelock, known as the "Banana Belt." Many different types of recreational activities are offered in Pershing County, and 19% of its population experiences poor to fair health.
9. Eureka County
Eureka County encompasses the communities of Eureka, Beowawe, Crescent Valley, Palisade and Primeaux, with Eureka being the county seat. In this county, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking and swimming. Eureka County ranks #6 for overall quality of life. Surprisingly, only 1% of its population has access to exercise opportunities.
10. Churchill County
Churchill County is located in the western part of Nevada, and its county seat is Fallon. It provides the finest parks and recreation services. Even with Churchill County's high smoking, drinking and obesity rates, this Nevada county ranks #2 for overall quality of life, and only 14% of its residents experience poor to fair health.
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