Annual Health Rankings Continue to Show Montgomery County Among the Healthiest Counties in Maryland and the United States

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 20, 2025

Montgomery County continues to be recognized as one of the healthiest counties in Maryland and the United States, according to the annual County Health Rankings (CHR). The 2025 report does not provide a specific ranking for each county within a state but offers valuable data on how a county’s health outcomes and contributing factors compare to others in the State and nationwide.

The CHR, a collaboration between the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, annually evaluates counties across the U.S. based on more than 30 factors that influence health. These factors include social determinants such as education, employment, housing, physical activity and commuting times. The report emphasizes that where we live, work and play has a significant impact on overall health and well-being.

“These rankings reinforce what we already know—Montgomery County is one of the healthiest places to live, not just in Maryland, but across the country,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “But while we should feel good about these results, we also know there is more work to do. The data show clear disparities within our community, and we are committed to addressing them. We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with our health providers, nonprofits and community organizations, to provide opportunities to our residents to live a healthy life.”

Highlights from the 2025 report include:

• Montgomery County performs better than the average county in Maryland and in the U.S. in terms of population health and well-being.
• The County has some of the lowest rates of premature death (from any cause), and a higher life expectancy than the State and national averages. However, health disparities persist across racial and ethnic populations within the County.
• Montgomery County residents exhibit healthier behaviors, including lower rates of smoking, obesity and physical inactivity compared to other jurisdictions across Maryland and the U.S.
• The County has significantly lower teen birth rates.
• Montgomery County has a higher ratio of primary care physicians, dentists and mental health providers per resident compared to both Maryland and U.S. averages.
• Vaccination rates are higher in Montgomery County, and there are fewer preventable hospital stays compared to other jurisdictions.
• The County has made continued progress in reducing air pollution.
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“Montgomery County’s continued ranking as one of the healthiest counties in Maryland and the nation, reflects our commitment to equitable access to health care, disease prevention and community well-being,” said Dr. Kisha Davis, County health officer. “We remain committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has the resources needed to thrive. When we work to eliminate health disparities, we create a stronger, healthier community for all.”

In addition to these health outcomes, Montgomery County ranks better than both State and national averages in several social and economic factors, including median income, education, high school graduation rates, unemployment rates, deaths from injury (including motor vehicle crashes), homicide and suicide rates, voter turnout and census participation.

• Low rates of physical inactivity: Montgomery County has a 16% rate of physical inactivity, compared to 21% in Maryland and 23% nationwide.
• High accessibility to exercise opportunities: The County boasts a 100% rate of accessibility, compared to 92% in Maryland and 84% nationally.
• Low rates of alcohol-impaired driving deaths: Montgomery County has a 25% rate, compared to 30% in Maryland.
• Low rates of uninsured residents: Only 8% of Montgomery County adults are uninsured, compared to 10% nationwide.

Several factors influence both the quality of life and life expectancy, including behavioral habits like physical activity, nutrition and smoking, as well as structural factors such as access to affordable housing and well-paying jobs.

To view the full report, visit the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps website.

 

Release ID: 25-121
Media Contact: Mary Anderson 301-529-7669
Categories: Health