If a recent study is correct, Seattle is a healthier place to live than every other U.S. city except one.
Wallethub rated San Francisco first and Seattle second in a ranking of the 10 healthiest cities. The others, in order, are Honolulu, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Portland, Ore., Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Denver, and Irvine, Calif.
Tacoma ranked a little higher than middle-of-the-pack, at 75th among the 180 cities included in the survey.
Analysts for Wallethub said the ranking indicates location matters when it comes to health. Some places promote wellness by expanding access to nutritious food and recreational facilities. Others strive to keep healthcare costs affordable for everyone or keep parks clean and well-maintained. Although life has returned almost to normal since the COVID-19 pandemic, city leaders need to stay vigilant for any future health crises to safeguard the wellness of their residents, both physically and mentally, according to Wallethub.
To determine which cities prioritize their residents’ well-being the best, WalletHub compared the most populated U.S. cities on data ranging from the cost of a medical visit to fruit and vegetable consumption and the percentage of people who are fully vaccinated. Attention to physical fitness also was considered.