New study ranks the healthiest counties in Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A new study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin ranks the health of nearly every county in all 50 states.

The study used different components like education, transportation, jobs and access to medical care to determine the rankings.

In Oregon, Washington County takes the gold as the healthiest county in the state.

According to the study, 98% of residents have access to healthy foods and 94% of children are insured. Socioeconomic factors played a role in the ranking too: 80% of county residents are high school graduates and 73% have some college education.

The least healthiest county in the state is Jefferson County in Central Oregon. 25% of residents are uninsured and 50% have some college experience. The unemployment rate in Jefferson County is 9%, which is almost twice the national average.

Researchers say the goal of this study is to arm leaders and elected officials with ideas to create a better culture of health.

For a complete list of the rankings, click here.