Woooho, San Diegans – we have something to be proud of. According to Forbes, San Diego is one of the healthiest cities in the US – we ranked 4th! SD made the top five mostly thanks to our overall low rates of high blood pressure and obesity.
The study that ranked San Diego the 4th healthiest city in the US
To figure out which of America’s largest cities have the healthiest and least healthy populations, Forbes Advisor looked at 46 out of the 50 most populated U.S. cities (where data was available). They ranked these cities based on eight key health metrics, per 100,000 residents.
The two most heavily weighted factors were heart disease deaths and opioid overdose deaths, each making up 23% of a city’s score. Diabetes and high blood pressure rates among adults followed, each contributing 15% to the score. Metrics for binge drinking, obesity, and smoking were also considered. Lastly, 3% of the score was based on physical inactivity, defined as adults who reported being inactive over the past 30 days.
The primary data source for these health indicators was the City Health Dashboard, using information from 2021, while population data came from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 report.
San Diego’s score
We’ve done well, San Diegans. Having wonderful weather year round and beautiful nature around surely helps. With so many gorgeous beaches, parks to explore, hikes to experience, and roadtrips to have, no wonder we came on top! Here’s the complete breakdown:
San Diego has the:
- Third-lowest percentage of adults with high blood pressure (22.7%)
- Fourth-lowest percentage of adults who report having obesity (22.7%)
- Fourth-lowest percentage of adults who report smoking (10.3%)
- Fifth-lowest percentage of adults who report being physically inactive (16.9%)
- Ninth-lowest number of heart disease deaths per 100,000 residents (175.7)
- 10th-lowest percentage of adults with diabetes (8.9%)
Overalls score: 17.08 / 100
Source: ForbesThe top 3 healthiest cities in the US
On the top of the list, we find our Cali neighbors from San Jose, with an impressive score of 0 / 100, based o the factors considered. The city reports the second lowest number of opioids overdoses, obesity, and smokers.
Austin, TX, came in second, with a score of 8.54 out of 100, mostly thanks to having the lowest rate of high blood pressure among its adults. Seattle followed, with the lowest rate of diabetes, smokers, or people who report being inactive.
Well done, San Diego! Keep being active, happy and healthy – also while we’re enjoying the upcoming holiday season. Thankfully, for every Christmas cocktail pop-up, there’s a fun Santa run!