The Willimson County Historic Court House; one of the well-known symbols of the county
For the second consecutive year, Williamson County has been ranked the healthiest county in Texas. The rankings are conducted annually for all 50 states by the County Health Rankings, a project involving the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. By ranking counties based on various health factors, the project aims to highlight areas that can be improved to make communities healthier places to live. The population health model used for the project studies health factors and their outcomes in counties across the U.S. These health factors look at things like diet and exercise, tobacco use, alcohol use, access to health care, education, income, safety, air pollution and access to healthy food in determining the overall length and quality of life in the county.
A typical Texas Hill Country scene; fields of wildflowers in Williamson County
Based on this model, Williamson has kept its lead as the overall healthiest county out of Texas’ 254 counties. Our very own Travis County came in 6th, which is actually a step up from last year’s ranking. Some of the other top-ranked counties include Collin, Denton, Gillespie and Rockwall. Despite being on top, these counties are all continually looking to improve the health and well-being of its residents.
Thanks to an article in The Statesman blog, Shannon Jones, acting director for Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department said, “The rankings represent a tool we can use toward further improvements. We will continue to work in partnership with the community and take the actions needed to make this county one of the healthiest places to live.”
So if you’re looking for some healthy living, head on out to Central Texas! But remember, you can always get involved in helping make your community a healthier place to live. For more information, check out the County Health Rankings Action Steps and see what you can do to help your county move up in next year’s rankings.
