Relocating? Morris County Ranks Top 5% Healthiest Communities

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Morris County, New Jersey, just 30 miles from New York City, ranks in the top five percent of the nation’s “Healthiest Communities,” according to a report released by U.S. News & World Report in collaboration with the Aetna Foundation. The analysis considered data across key factors of health and wellness in 3,000 communities throughout the U.S.

“Healthiest Communities” is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News & World Report with the Aetna Foundation. Guided by a pioneering framework developed by a committee appointed to advise the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the project scored nearly 3,000 counties on 84 indicators across 10 categories that drive overall community health. The analyzed categories were population health, equity, education, economy, housing, food and nutrition, environment, public safety, community vitality, and infrastructure.

Morris County, New Jersey was ranked 25 in the top 500 “healthiest communities.

“The past year has brought to light the importance of living within a healthy community, which contributes to economic success or a thriving economy” Said Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Morris County Economic Development Council. “One’s quality of life is greatly influenced by where you live. From the wealth of job opportunities to world-class healthcare to best-in-class travel infrastructures and 340 miles of hiking trails, Morris County’s benefits ensure that one will enjoy one of the best lifestyles in the country.”

Population health and equity are the most highly weighted factors in the methodology, followed closely by education and economy. Data was gathered and analyzed by the University of Missouri Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES).

Separate from the rankings, the platform offers COVID-19 tracking tools which report case numbers, death rates, unemployment and more, and have been updated to include vaccine data.

These tools complement the rankings data to reveal multiple correlations between the coronavirus pandemic and community health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, Morris County has led the state and outpaces the nation in overall vaccination rates.

"It's great to see Morris County continuously rank among the healthiest places to live in the nation. Back in April, we also were ranked the healthiest place in New Jersey by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. In this case, the U.S. News analysis was not only based on the healthy lifestyle of our residents, but also our growing economy and top-rated schools.” said Steven Shaw, Commissioner Director at County of Morris, New Jersey. “Morris County simply is a great place to live, work and raise a family, and everyone here works hard to keep it that way."

This is one of many accolades the county has received. Morris County ranks third in the New York Metropolitan area in terms of median income, 5 county towns ranked among the top 10 places in New Jersey to live and boasts the highest amount of preserved land in the state.

For more information, visit the U.S. News “Healthiest Communities” platform.

ABOUT U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT: U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower citizens, consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

About Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation

The Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation collaboratively advances the interests of its members to champion a thriving business and community environment. With platforms that allow members to connect,

collaborate and succeed, they are the premier business association in North Central New Jersey. Our dedication to creating member experiences that foster success is demonstrated through our services and advocacy to support member organizations, county businesses and the greater community. Learn more at morrischamber.org and morriscountyedc.org.

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