US health trends

For the report, UHF analyzed 99 different health-related measures from 31 data sources to create a comprehensive view of health across the United States. The report also examined differences across populations by age, income, and other demographic factors.

According to the report, the United States saw improvements in several health-related measures over the last few years. For example, premature deaths decreased by 8% between 2022 and 2023, and both drug and firearm deaths decreased by 3%.

The share of adults who reported being physically inactive also decreased by 10% between 2023 and 2024. There was also a 15% increase in adults getting cancer screenings between 2022 and 2024, with more people getting colorectal and breast cancer screenings.

However, the share of adults with multiple chronic conditions increased by 6% between 2023 and 2024, going from 10.7% to 11.3%. More people also were uninsured (4% increase) or avoided care due to cost (8% increase). In addition, fewer people received a flu vaccination, going from 42.9% in 2023 to 41.3% in 2024.

There were also significant differences in several measures across demographic groups. For example, the rate of drug deaths were 11.8 times higher among American Indian/Alaska Native populations (63.6 deaths per 100,000 people) compared to Asian populations (5.4 deaths per 100,000 people). Adults ages 18 to 44 were also 4.5 times more likely to avoid care due to cost compared to those ages 65 and older (17% versus 3.8%, respectively).

UHF also evaluated all 50 states to determine which were the most and least healthy. The overall state rankings were based on 50 weighted measures that represented current population health issues, were consistent across all states, were current and regularly updated, and allowed for improvement over time.

Overall, New Hampshire was the healthiest state while Louisiana was the unhealthiest state — marking their fourth consecutive year in these rankings. 

How does the US compare to other countries?

The report also compared the United States to other countries using data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

According to the report, the United States had the highest total health spending per capita of all OECD countries. In 2023, the average total health spending per capita among OECD countries was $5,477. In comparison, the average total health spending per capita in the United States was $13,818 — 2.5 times higher.

However, despite having higher total health spending, the United States falls behind many other countries on health measures like infant mortality and life expectancy. 

Commentary

According to Joseph Kanter, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, the America's Health Rankings report is a "vital resource for states and other stakeholders, providing an impartial, authoritative and standardized foundation for improving health outcomes."

"When we ground our decisions in data, we can direct our efforts where they will have the greatest impact and drive meaningful progress in the health of our communities," Kanter said. "Reliable large-scale data like the findings in this report give leaders the context and information they need to act with purpose — equipping decision-makers to build on strengths, address persistent challenges and target resources to where they will make the biggest difference."

Separately, Margaret-Mary Wilson, EVP and CMO at UnitedHealth Group, called for people to "rededicate [themselves] to improving health care in this country and creating a healthier nation for all."

"The value of data is purposeful action," Wilson added. Each of us has a role to play in turning these insights into a healthier future: for individuals, communities, states and the nation."

*Advisory Board is a subsidiary of Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group. All Advisory Board research, expert perspectives, and recommendations remain independent.