Where Do KS, MO Rank in Overall Health in the U.S.?

Posted December 5, 2023

The United Health Foundation released its 2023 America’s Health Rankings, analyzing the overall health of each state, with Kansas and Missouri showing signs of growth in mental health providers.

America’s Health Rankings measure five categories of health in its analysis which are social and economic factors, physical environment, behaviors, clinical care and health outcomes.

The bi-state region experienced a notable increase in mental health providers between September 2018 and September 2023. Kansas has a 32 percent increase while Missouri increased by 39 percent.

Kansas

Kansas ranked No. 29 out of all states with strengths being a high volunteerism rate, low prevalence of high-risk HIV behaviors and a low percentage of households experiencing severe housing problems.

The challenges that keep the state from advancing up the ranks are both the high prevalence of obesity and occupational fatality rates. An increase in drug-related deaths and individuals with asthma was highlighted in the report.

In 2022, Kansas was ranked No. 31 overall.

Missouri

Missouri landed in the No. 40 spot in overall health. Much like Missouri’s sunflower neighbor, the state has a high rate of volunteering and a low severe housing problem as well as its own strengths in the number of colorectal cancer screenings.

Missouri’s challenges include high homicide, food insecurity and excessive drinking. There has been an increase of higher drug-related deaths are insufficient sleep among individuals highlighted in for 2023.

In 2022, Missouri ranked No. 39 overall.

View all 50 states’ rankings, here.