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Healthy Hotspots: The 25 Most Physically Active Counties in the US
Two people run on an empty path at sunrise or sunset.
Regular physical activity is beneficial for both physical and mental health. But about 1 in 5 U.S. adults say they don’t engage in any type of physical exercise during a typical week, 2021. Ipsos report found.
Nearly one-third of American adults reported anxiety symptoms or depressive disorder in 2023, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. People being treated for anxiety, depression and psychological problems—and who exercise regularly—show fewer and less intense symptoms of those conditions than their fellow patients who don’t exercise, according to a 2023 study. umbrella review medical research. The study pointed out that the greatest benefits from increased physical activity are for otherwise healthy individuals, as well as those suffering from depression and HIV.
Many studies have also shown that physical exercise permanently strengthens cognitive functions. For example, a A 2020 meta-analysis of 46 randomized controlled trials found that older adults who participate in aerobic activities such as running, swimming, and cycling have stronger cognitive abilities and working memory than their less active peers.
In general, there is a consensus in the medical scientific community that physical activity is an important factor alleviating age-related cognitive decline.
Northwell Health reviewed data from the annual report of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention REGISTER PLACES, published in 2023, to see which counties had the most physically active adults. A survey conducted in 2021 asked respondents whether they had exercised in their free time during the past month. The data measures the proportion of adults who reported little or no physical activity.
Counties were ranked by the proportion of adults who reported any level of leisure-time physical activity, including running, golfing or gardening. CDC did not include estimates for Florida because they did not meet data eligibility requirements.
The 25 most active counties in the country with at least 10,000 inhabitants are listed below. In case of a tie, the total population was used.
Northwell Health
How physical activity varies across the country
A heat map of US counties shows that people in the West are more physically active. The description reads, three out of every four Americans say they exercised for leisure at least once in the past month.
Income is a powerful indicator of the time a person devotes to physical exercise. People on lower incomes may face more challenges when trying to exercise regularly because adequate public spaces may not be available, gym memberships and exercise equipment are expensive, and they may have less flexible work schedules.
HAVE Research work from 2018 found that among adolescents and young adults, people in higher-income families, as well as men and whites, were more likely than others to engage in physical activity.
Tea Peter G. Peterson Foundation reported that in 2021, households in the Northeast and West earned an average of $7,000 to $15,000 more annually than households in the Midwest and South. People living in these regions are more likely to report higher rates of physical activity.
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#25. Eagle, Colorado
Aerial view of a rural neighborhood nestled among snowy hills.
– Total population: 55,727
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 84.6%
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#24. Placer, California
A magnificent building with a cross on the domed part of the roof on a sunny day.
– Total population: 412,300
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 84.6%
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#23. Park, Colorado
The terracotta-colored Park County Courthouse.
– Total population: 17,720
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 84.9%
James Meyer // Shutterstock
#22. Ozaukee, Wisconsin
Aerial view of the river flowing through the city at sunset.
– Total population: 92,497
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.1%
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#21. Larimer, Colorado
Complex of buildings next to the railway crossing.
– Total population: 362,533
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.1%
Cavan-Images // Shutterstock
#20. Elbert, Colorado
Grassy landscape.
– Total population: 27,128
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.3%
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#19. Morgan, UT
The Morgan City Hall building with an American flag in front.
– Total population: 12,657
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.4%
Joseph Sohm // Shutterstock
#18. Lamoille, Vermont
Aerial view of the city surrounded by grassy fields and mature trees.
– Total population: 26,126
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.4%
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#17. Gallatin, Montana
Aerial view of the city with mountains in the distance.
– Total population: 122,713
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.4%
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#16. Gunnison, Colorado
Landscape view of snow-capped mountains and rocky canyons covered with trees.
– Total population: 17,281
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.5%
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#15. Summit, Colorado
A snow-covered, warmly lit city with large mountains in the background in the evening.
– Total population: 30,941
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.7%
kan_khampanya // Shutterstock
#14. King, Washington
View of Seattle with the Space Needle and snow-capped mountains in the background.
– Total population: 2,252,305
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.7%
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#13. San Juan, Washington
A sign that says Friday Harbor San Juan Island.
– Total population: 18,557
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.8%
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#12. Arlington, Virginia
View of the small metro from the river.
– Total population: 232,965
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 85.8%
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#11. Summit, Utah
A lake with mountains in the background.
– Total population: 43,093
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 86.3%
Erika J Mitchell // Shutterstock
#10. Chittenden, Vermont
Harbor with ships anchored in the city.
– Total population: 168,865
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 86.3%
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#9. Jefferson, Colorado
Aerial view of a hilly area with houses and a baseball diamond.
– Total population: 579,581
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 86.3%
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#8. Falls Church, Virginia
A pond surrounded by autumn leaves.
– Total population: 14,493
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 86.6%
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#7. Routt, Colorado
A large building with an American flag in front.
– Total population: 25,091
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 86.6%
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#6. Marin, California
Aerial view of a narrow coast with houses and trees.
– Total population: 260,206
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 86.7%
Joseph Sohm // Shutterstock
#5. Los Alamos, New Mexico
Official historical pictorial marker for Los Alamos.
– Total population: 19,330
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 87.7%
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#4. Pitkin, Colorado
A warmly lit city with snow-capped mountains in the near background.
– Total population: 17,348
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 87.8%
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#3. Broomfield, Colorado
George Di Ciero City and County Building.
– Total population: 75,325
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 87.9%
Maciej Bledowski // Shutterstock
#2. Boulder, Colorado
Aerial view of the city center surrounded by autumn leaves.
– Total population: 329,543
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 88.0%
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#1. Douglas, Colorado
Aerial view of a rural town with a train passing through.
– Total population: 368,990
– Share of adults who report any physical activity: 88.0%
Data is reported by Elena Cox. Story edited by Jeff Inglis. Copy Editing: Kristen Wegrzyn. A selection of photographs by Claresa Moller.
This story originally appeared on and was produced by Northwell Health
distributed in collaboration with Stacker Studio.
