Gila County Health Ranking Lowest in the State

It’s that time of year when the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation releases its study of the health and well-being of all of the counties in the country. Among the 15 Arizona counties, Gila County ranks at the very bottom.

Gila County has the highest percentage of people who report that they are in poor or only fair health.

The county scores very low in behavioral health factors. These are smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. The motor vehicle death rate per 100,000 people and the teen birth rate are also among the highest in the state.

The county is 12^th out of 15 in the number of years of potential life lost before age 75. In other words, the mortality rate is high.

Gila County also shows poorly  in the areas of high school graduation and children in poverty. The violent crime rate per 100,000 population is high.

Gila County’s best rankings are in  clinical care and physical environment.  The only major areas of concern are diabetic screening and a high number of low income people who don’t live near a grocery store. The county also has a high percentage of people who were exposed to drinking water exceeding a violation line during the past year.

For all the details click here.