California's Healthiest Counties: Bay Area Shines In 2023 Rankings

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Bay Area communities overperformed in a recent ranking of the state's healthiest counties, with a familiar winner emerging once again.

The University of Wisconsin's Population Health Insititute has measured health metrics across the nation for 14 years, ranking counties based on an array of factors including quality of life, premature deaths and clinical care, along with other social and economic considerations.

Marin County has now led the pack in California for 13 of those years.

The rankings give the most weight to quality and length of life measures, and researchers determined the average Marin County neighbor can expect to live a little over 85 years — one of the longest lifespans in the nation. This year, the county received solid grades nearly across the board, including quality health care, green space, healthy food and clean air and water.

There are two areas that Marin County consistently falls short, with researchers noting high rates of substance use and health inequities between communities — issues the county said they are striving to improve.

"This report reinforces key lessons of the pandemic," said Dr. Matt Willis, the county's public health officer. "While we're fortunate to live in a healthy community, significant gaps remain. We'll have a lot more to celebrate when everyone in Marin has the same chance for a long and healthy life."

Here are California's top 10 healthiest counties in 2023:

1. Marin County
2. San Mateo County
3. Santa Clara County
4. Placer County
5. Napa County
6. Orange County
7. San Francisco
8. Ventura County
9. Santa Cruz County
10. Sonoma County

On the state level, California outperforms the national average for lifespans, consistently reporting fewer premature deaths. The average Californian lives 81 years.

Researchers said just 9 percent of California adults are cigarette smokers, compared to the 16 percent nationally, and tracks slightly lower than the average for physical inactivity and excessive drinking. Driving deaths linked to alcohol, however, outpace the national average.

>> Explore the full rankings here.