Georgia has a diverse range of attractions and opportunities, along with its fair share of health challenges. According to the U.S. News & World Report, it holds the 39th position out of 50 states in terms of overall health outcomes, which includes factors like life expectancy, obesity, smoking, and mental health.
However, it’s important to note that not all communities in Georgia face these challenges to the same extent. There are areas that shine with their high quality of life, low crime rates, robust economy, and accessibility to healthcare and nutritious food.
These places are considered the healthiest in Georgia, and one of them has earned the title of being the absolute best.
Forsyth County: The Healthiest Place in Georgia
Forsyth County, situated in the northern part of the state, has been named the healthiest place to live in Georgia by the U.S. News & World Report. In the 2022 Healthiest Communities rankings, the county received a score of 77.4 out of a possible 100 points, placing it 13th out of 3,000 counties and county equivalents nationwide.
Forsyth County excelled in areas such as economy, education, public safety, and food and nutrition. This suggests that its residents enjoy a high quality of life, with low unemployment, minimal crime, and easy access to healthy food choices.
Approximately 250,000 people call Forsyth County home, with the majority residing in the city of Cumming or in unincorporated areas. The county boasts a median household income of $101,743, significantly above both state and national averages.
Furthermore, Forsyth County exhibits a high level of educational achievement, with 54% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, as opposed to 32% in Georgia and 33% in the U.S. The public schools in the county rank among the finest in the state, boasting a graduation rate of 94% and an average SAT score of 1,172.
As a peaceful and secure community, Forsyth County has a violent crime rate of 86 per 100,000 people, which is substantially lower than the state and national rates of 357 and 367, respectively.
The county also experiences a low incidence of drug overdose deaths, with only 8 per 100,000 people, in contrast to 16 in Georgia and 21 in the U.S. Residents of the county are health-conscious, with 86% having access to exercise facilities such as parks, trails, and gyms.
Moreover, Forsyth County enjoys a high rate of accessibility to grocery stores, with 26 per 10,000 people, surpassing the figures of 18 in Georgia and 22 in the U.S.
Read More: This City Has Been Named the Cheapest Place to Live in Washington
Other Healthy Places in Georgia
There are several other healthy places to live in Georgia besides Forsyth County. According to the U.S. News & World Report, five other communities in the state were also ranked among the top 500 in the nation. These include:
- Oconee County
- Cherokee County
- Harris County
Read More: Discover the 5 Most Safest Neighborhoods in Knox County, Tennessee
Conclusion
Georgia faces various health challenges, but it also offers numerous health-promoting prospects. Certain communities within the state have succeeded in establishing a thriving and contented atmosphere for their inhabitants through the provision of economic, educational, and social support.
Forsyth County holds the title for being the healthiest locality to reside in within Georgia, with Oconee County, Fayette County, Columbia County, Cherokee County, and Harris County following closely. These areas boast the healthiest population in the entire state of Georgia.
