Overview of the Report
Benton County has been recognized as the healthiest county in Arkansas, with Washington County also ranking among the best in the state and performing slightly above the national average. These findings come from the annual County Health Rankings and Roadmaps report, conducted by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. The study evaluates various factors influencing public health, including premature death rates, overall physical well-being, and environmental conditions that impact residents’ lifestyles.
In addition to assessing individual health outcomes, the report examines community aspects such as access to exercise facilities, economic stability, and the availability of nutritious food. This comprehensive approach provides a clearer understanding of the broader factors contributing to health disparities across different regions.
Economic and Community Health Factors
One of the key reasons for Benton and Washington counties’ strong performance is their comparatively stable economic conditions. According to the report, approximately 9% of children in Benton County and 14% in Washington County live in poverty—significantly lower than the state’s 20% average and the national rate of 16%. These counties also experience lower unemployment levels, a greater percentage of residents with higher education, and reduced income inequality compared to the rest of Arkansas.
The report further highlights that only 17% of Benton County residents consider themselves in poor or fair health, compared to 23% of Arkansans overall. In Washington County, this figure stands at 22%. Additionally, residents in these counties have better access to recreational facilities, with 77% of Benton County and 83% of Washington County residents living near a park or fitness center, surpassing the state average of 63%.
The rate of fatal injuries, including homicides, suicides, and car accidents, is also lower in these counties compared to state and national averages. Benton County reported 62 deaths per 100,000 people, while Washington County had a rate of 54 per 100,000. In contrast, Arkansas as a whole reported 91 deaths per 100,000, which is higher than the national rate of 84 per 100,000.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite Benton County’s overall strong ranking, the report identifies some challenges. One notable concern is the lower availability of healthcare professionals, including primary care doctors, mental health specialists, and dentists, compared to Washington County and the state as a whole. Washington County, in contrast, has a higher concentration of healthcare providers per resident than the Arkansas average.
Certain lifestyle factors in Benton County also align closely with state trends. For instance, excessive alcohol consumption remains an issue, with 19% of adults reporting binge drinking—consistent with Arkansas’ average. Additionally, 11% of Benton County residents lack health insurance, mirroring the statewide figure.
Smoking rates in Benton County, though lower than the state’s 20% average, still slightly exceed the national rate. Fourteen percent of adults in the county are smokers, compared to 13% nationally. While Benton County leads in overall health rankings, these findings suggest areas where improvements can be made to further enhance residents’ well-being.
The report underscores the importance of both economic stability and access to healthcare services in shaping public health outcomes. While Benton County remains the healthiest in Arkansas, continued efforts are needed to address healthcare availability and lifestyle concerns to maintain and improve this status.
