The greatest health strengths and challenges in Idaho

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

Jan. 4, 2023

Idaho is ranked 17th in the country for overall health – a slight decline from its ranking of 16 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

Idaho health strengths

Low premature death rate
Low percentage of low birthweight infants
Low prevalence of physical inactivity
27% increase in mental health providers from 193.6 to 246.3 per 100,000 population from 2017 to 2022
19% decrease in uninsured from 10.8% to 8.8% of the population between 2019 and 2021

Idaho health challenges

High Black/white residential segregation
Low adult flu vaccination rate
Low supply of primary care providers
61% increase in e-cigarette use from 4.6% to 7.4% of adults between 2017 and 2021

What this means for employers

Employers who do business or have employees living in the state of Idaho 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 Idaho.

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 Idaho 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.