March 29, 2017
Despite several world-renowned hospitals and health centers in the city, Philadelphia was ranked at the bottom of a health study comparing all of Pennsylvania's counties.
On Wednesday, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation revealed the annual County Health Rankings which examined the influences in areas across the United States on residents.
Researchers compared all 67 counties in Pennsylvania based on two factors: health outcomes and health factors.
However, Philly ranked last on both lists while surrounding suburbs earned top marks.
The health outcomes category analyzed the length and quality of life for residents. Chester County topped the list, while Montgomery County (No. 4) and Bucks County (6) weren't far behind. Delaware County fared above average at No. 26.
Pa. counties ranked by health outcomes.
The study also offered a more in-depth look at health factors in the state. This section accounted for smoking rates, obesity rates, access to medical care, employment rates, and quality of air and water. Philly's surrounding counties secured the top three spots on the list, in order, Montgomery, Bucks and Chester. Delaware County finished 13th.
Pa. counties ranked by health factors.
The organization's goal of relaying the information is to help communities identify problems and find opportunities to improve health initiatives.
