Top 5 Healthiest US Cities

The American College of Sports Medicine^® (ACSM) and the Elevance Health Foundation have released their 17th annual American Fitness Index^®, ranking the top 100 fittest cities in America. Based on 33 health indicators, the index provides valuable insights into how cities can improve their residents’ health and wellness. Here are the five fittest cities in America for 2024.

1. Arlington, Virginia

Arlington tops the list thanks to its exceptional community and environmental indicators. With the highest rate of residents exercising regularly (87.8%) and the most getting adequate sleep (76.4%), Arlington promotes a healthy lifestyle. The city also boasts the lowest smoking rate at just 3.4%.

2. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. excels in dietary habits, with the highest rate of residents eating two or more fruits daily (37.9%) and the second-best rate for consuming three or more vegetables (21.4%). The nation’s capital also ranks high in public transportation use and active commuting.

3. Seattle, Washington

Seattle residents prioritize physical activity and parks. The city has the third-highest rate of exercise and invests significantly in parks, with $321 per capita in park expenditures. This commitment to green spaces contributes to Seattle’s overall fitness.

4. San Francisco, California

San Francisco ranks fourth, thanks to its comprehensive approach to health and fitness. The city’s residents benefit from extensive parks, walkability, and a culture that emphasizes healthy living. San Francisco also boasts the lowest obesity rate among ranked cities at 14.6%, with 99% of its residents living within a 10-minute walk to a park.

5. Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is recognized for its active community and high levels of physical activity. The city has the highest ratio of parks and playgrounds per 10,000 residents.

Key Trends and Insights

The Fitness Index revealed several significant trends in 2024. More Americans are walking and biking to work, and park expenditures have increased, reflecting a growing commitment to community health. However, there are areas for improvement. Many residents in the top 100 cities are not meeting minimum exercise standards, and there has been a decrease in the number of people getting sufficient sleep and reporting excellent health.

Did your city make the cut? The five fittest cities in America are setting the bar for health and wellness.

References: Capital Region Leads Nation’s ‘Fittest Cities’ in 2024 ACSM American Fitness Index® Ranking | The 10 Fittest Cities in the U.S.