The greatest health strengths and challenges in Arkansas

The recently released “America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report” uncovered several health strengths and challenges in Arkansas.

Jan. 3, 2023

Arkansas is ranked 48th in the country for overall health –which is the same ranking the state received in 2019¹ – according to America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report.

Below is a summary of the positive and negative factors that contributed to this ranking.²

Arkansas health strengths

Low prevalence of excessive drinking
High prevalence of fruit and vegetable consumption
Low percentage of housing with lead risk
19% increase in households with high-speed internet of households between 2016 and 2021

Arkansas health challenges

High premature death rate
High percentage of household food insecurity
High prevalence of cigarette smoking
40% increase in drug deaths between 2019 and 2020
11% decrease in flu vaccination coverage between 2020 and 2021

What this means for employers

Employers who do business or have employees living in the state of Arkansas may want to consider programs or benefits that can help support their employee population and guide them to better health decisions.

Learn more about the factors impacting the health of Arkansas.

The real people behind these numbers are what make the work ahead so critically important. Despite the challenges ahead, I remain optimistic that the health system can rise to the moment to address long-standing disparities and improve the health and well-being of all Americans, for this generation and the next.

— Patricia L. Lewis, Chief Sustainability Officer at UnitedHealth Group

View the Arkansas state summary (pdf)

Breaking down the findings from America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report

The latest findings highlight some of the greatest health challenges and strengths across the nation, with racial and ethnic disparities coming into sharp focus.