CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Mecklenburg County is one of the healthiest counties in North Carolina, according to a recent study.
The eighth annual County Health Rankings were released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute Wednesday, with Charlotte’s home county coming in at No. 8.
Mecklenburg County received high marks for its percentage of adult obesity (BMI over 30) at 24 percent, the number of primary care physicians, and the number of adults with at least some college education.
“The County Health Rankings show us that where people live plays a key role in how long and how well
they live,” said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, RWJF president and CEO. “The Rankings allow local leaders to
clearly see and prioritize the challenges they face — whether it’s rising premature death rates or the
growing drug overdose epidemic — so they can bring community leaders and residents together to find
solutions."
Wake County, home of the state’s capital in Raleigh, was named the healthiest in North Carolina, ranking in the top three for length of life, quality of life, and health behaviors. Robeson County was named the least healthy county in the Tar Heel State, ranking dead last in quality of life, clinical care, and health behaviors.
Union County was the third healthiest in the state.
"It's great, in fact Union County has a history with really good rankings with this survey," said Health Division Manager Bobby Cobb.
When you look at the numbers it's no wonder why many of the 222,742 residents are so healthy: adult smoking is at 16%, adult obesity is at 27% and access to exercise is at 68%.
"I think people here are active and that's one of the reasons it's healthy, it doesn't demonstrate that Union County is a great place to live," Cobb says. "I think we have to focus and work with our partners to improve initiatives."
Charlotte-area county health rankings (out of 100 N.C. counties)
- Union: 3
- Watauga: 5
- Cabarrus: 14
- Lincoln: 18
- Iredell: 24
- Alexander: 30
- Catawba: 41
- Burke: 56
- Gaston: 71
- Rowan: 73
- Cleveland: 82
To view the full report, click here.