DataPoint: 2020 County Health Rankings

Based on data compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Nassau County is the healthiest county in New York State. In 2019, Rockland County was ranked New York’s healthiest. The 2020 County Health Rankings study used mortality rates, health behaviors, and several other health measures to evaluate each county. Saratoga, Rockland, Putnam, and Westchester counties rounded out the top five healthiest counties. In contrast, Bronx County was ranked the least healthy county for the second consecutive year. Just ahead of Bronx County were Chautauqua and Sullivan counties. Through 2018, life expectancy was 81.3 years statewide. Nine counties had life expectancies lower than 78 years, with the lowest occurring in Chemung County (77.2 years). Overall, 16.4 percent of New York State’s population was age 65 and older. Hamilton (31.3 percent) and Delaware (24.5 percent) counties had the highest percentage of elder residents. The study found that preventable hospital stays per 100,000 Medicare enrollees were highest in Montgomery and Cayuga counties. Conversely, hospital stays were most avoided in Hamilton, Tompkins, New York, and Rockland counties.

To view the entire 2020 County Health Rankings study, which includes quality measures for each county, click here.

Contact: Ken Allison, kallison@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8820