Minneapolis is the healthiest city in the U.S. according to Livability.com. "Minneapolis provides residents with exercise opportunities, good food choices and strong support networks to help live healthy lives," according to a Livability press release. "With this in mind, Livability.com has named
Minneapolis the Top 10 Healthiest City, 2015."
The editors studied County Healthcare Rankings data and spending data from Esri to find places with quality and affordable health care. They analyzed several measures of healthy communities such as the adult obesity rate, the percent of residents with access to healthy food and other stats. Also factored in were the number of hospitals, ratio of doctors to residents and more. They also looked into city infrastructure to promote healthy living, like access to farmers markets and parks, walkability, man-made amenities such as golf courses, as well as natural amenities. Additionally factored in was data from the EPA about the environmental components of a healthy city such as clean air and water.
"With a park system covering nearly 17 percent of the city, it’s no wonder Minneapolis was named our healthiest city," according to the release. "On top of offering activities from hiking and biking to swimming, kayaking and cross-country skiing, recreational centers and health clubs provide even more indoor exercise options. Fewer than 14 percent of residents smoke, while more than 87 percent participate in physical activities on a regular basis. Minneapolis ranks well in health-care statistics, and less than 11 percent of residents are uninsured, and most get annual checkups and health screenings. Recycling, composting, and walking or biking to work is a way of life for many of the people living in Minneapolis, and the downtown farmers market makes it easy for residents to get healthy foods."