Burlington and Gloucester Counties Ranked Some of the Healthiest in America

Where you live has a greater impact on your overall health than we previously understood. According to research, it can be even more important than even family history.

According to the Aetna Foundation, where you live has a greater impact on your life expectancy than even your genetics. And if you live in Gloucester or Burlington County, NJ, you live in some of the healthiest counties in America according to US News and World Report.

The rubric for these rankings took into account things like the health of the population, education, food and nutrition, mental health, and public safety. All of these worked together to rank Gloucester County as the seventh healthiest community in New Jersey and Burlington County as the fifth healthiest.

The determinant with the most weight in the ranking system, according to the research, was the area of overall health. Gloucester County’s residents have an average life expectancy of 78.6 years old and Burlington County’s life expectancy is 79.8 years. These areas also boast lower than average obesity rates compared with the rest of the country- Gloucester county has a 29.7% obesity rate, considerably lower than the national average of 31.0%. Burlington County’s obesity rate was an even lower at 27.8%.

According to the Aetna Foundation’s Mark T. Bertolini, the foundation has found that 20% of health is determined by social determinants and another 40% is determined by lifestyle. Making a home in a robust community that encourages a healthy lifestyle, like Gloucester County, can impact your overall health by 60%.

Lower smoking and obesity rates were the norm in these counties, according to the research. A higher than average rate was spent per capita on public safety than the rest of the country. There were even higher walkability scores than the national average. All of these factors work together to place Burlington and Gloucester Counties amongst some of the healthiest addresses in New Jersey and the United States.

While factors such as genetics, individual choices, and personal lifestyle play a part in a person’s overall health, it’s great to know that those of us who have chosen this area as home can boast that we live in one of the healthiest communities in the country and that living here has a positive impact on our overall health and wellbeing. 

If you're looking to call Burlington or Gloucester County home, The Kerr Group is here to help. Contact us today!