The 10 Best Counties In The U.S. For Mental Wellbeing
Where we live plays a crucial role on our mental wellbeing. The people we live with, the culture of the community that surrounds us, the esthetic of our home and locality, and even things like weather can contribute towards how we feel, reports Verywell Mind.
Combining metrics like housing, education, nutrition, crime rate, social capital, and healthcare, U.S. News & World Report has released a ranking of the healthiest counties to live in the U.S in 2022. The survey focused on almost 3,000 US counties and assessed each of them in relation to 83 metrics grouped into 10 broad areas. Thereafter, specialists in the field of health and wellbeing scored each of those broad categories by assigning numbers out of 100 across all of them. The weighted average from the final calculation formed the score for each county, per U.S. News.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people's mental wellbeing in numerous ways but the U.S. News survey was careful to focus mainly on factors that existed even before the pandemic. Let's take a look at which U.S. counties made the top 10 list.
Delaware County, Ohio at No. 10
With a population of 205,454 people, Delaware County in Ohio, comes recommended as "one of the best places to live in Ohio," according to Niche. The education system is top-notch, housing scored 73 points, and public safety was assigned as much as 70 points, on the U.S. News and World Report survey.
Situated in the heart of Ohio, Delaware County was founded in 1808 and it was once home to the 19th president of the United States — Rutherford B. Hayes. One of the county's many attractions is Historic Downtown Delaware which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, per Destination Delaware County. Downtown Delaware is a hub of activity with its varied cuisine, antique stores, shopping centers, arts and culture spots, and outdoor activities, via Ohio Traveler.
No. 9 on the list is Broomfield County, Colorado
Vast open spaces and mental health go hand in hand and Broomfield County in Colorado is just that with over 8,000 acres of open space and myriad trails for walking and cycling, reports Vacation Idea. The county is also known for its restaurants, concerts, rodeos, and community shows, via Colorado Tourism.
With a population estimate of 75,325 as of July 2021, via United States Census Bureau, this technological hub is also ideal for families looking for amusement for their little ones, per Colorado Tourism. On the U.S. News and World Report poll, Broomfield County scored an impressive 93 on metrics related to economics and infrastructure.
Hamilton County, Indiana came in at No. 8
Indiana's Hamilton County is somewhat of a cultural hub with its gardens, breweries, parks, design district, and center for performing arts, per Trip Advisor. Named after the first secretary of the treasury — Alexander Hamilton, the county is home to some award-winning schools, reports Hamilton County and it was also ranked number 4 on data analysis company Niche's list of best counties to live in America in 2022.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and Winton Woods rank high on its attractions list, according to Trip.com.
The No. 7 spot goes to Ozaukee County, Wisconsin
With a population health ranking of 85, education at 81, and infrastructure a 87, you might be surprised to find out that Ozaukee County is one of Wisconsin's smallest when it comes to landmass, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
The county, with a population of 89,179, comes highly recommended when it comes to factors like public schooling, housing, ideal for families, nightlife and entertainment, and also employment opportunities, per Niche, all essential ingredients when it comes to one's mental wellbeing.
Coal Dock Park and Virmond Park are known as two of the county's most popular attractions, via Trip.com.
Sioux County, Iowa made it to No. 6 on the wellbeing list
In 1860, when the county was established, Sioux (which means 'little snakes') was only a small village of 15 people, via Sioux County but today it's grown to a population of 34,900, per Niche. The county ranks high on the combined metrics that come under economy, education, equity, and population health, according to the U.S. News & World Report.
A lot of young professionals make Sioux their home and count has a good offering of public schools, jobs, nightlife, and housing, reports Niche.
At No. 5, we have Carver County, Minnesota
Whether you're looking to retire here, start and raise a family, or enjoy the joys of being single, Minnesota's Carver County might satisfy all of those needs, according to Carver County. Although a small and rural setting with only 5,438 people, the county's public school system comes highly recommended (via Niche).
Carver's population health was ranked at 86, per U.S. News & World Report and the county's education and economy-related metrics stood at an impressive 82 and 93 respectively.
Morgan County, Utah ranks No. 4
Picture an agricultural valley surrounded by the Rocky Mountain region with just the right amount of recreational activities in a land area of 610 square miles; there you have it, that's Morgan County in Utah for you, via Utah Stories. Carol Brooks of the Morgan Business Association shares that people visit because of the county's beauty and activities and decide to call it home when they fall in love with the place, per Utah Stories.
Famous for the Devil's Slide, Morgan County ranked high on the metrics related to equity, community vitality, and economy, according to the U.S. News & World Report
Colorado's Douglas County clinched the No. 3 spot
Perhaps it's the county's lucrative job market and low unemployment rate or maybe it's the strong economy, but Colorado's Douglas County is an attractive place to most for one reason or the other, reports Colorado Loan Pro. And you won't have a hard time finding outdoor or indoor activities to enjoy in your downtime either.
There's also a high level of equality when it comes to access to income, education, health, and other social amenities. In fact, the county scored a perfect 100 on that end with the U.S. News & World Report survey.
Falls Church city, Virginia ranked No. 2 on the wellbeing survey
It's not often that you can enjoy the wonders of living in a small town and also have easy access to food from around the world, but it seems Virginia's Falls Church city does offer both, reports Arlington Magazine. From farmer's markets to coffee shops, unique book stores, and live music, this quaint city really does have it all.
Falls Church ranks high on diversity, public schooling, and nightlife whilst also being a great place to raise a family, via Niche.
Los Alamos County, New Mexico took the top spot
Coming out on top with the No. 1 ranking, New Mexico's Los Alamos County ranks high in almost all the important aspects: housing, public schooling, employment, diversity, and family life, according to Niche.
With wellness being more important than ever, it's only natural for us to want to call the perfect place home, and maybe Los Alamos County could be that for you with its impressive ranking of 100 on housing and 90 on public safety, via U.S. News & World Report.