I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Recently, the healthiest people according to counties in Kentucky were featured, via health department studies in each individual county. Boone County fell in at number 1, which some of you were surprised by. Several readers asked about the unhealthiest counties, so another bit of study was required. Research from 2015, compiled of data based on the population like accidental deaths, pollution, smoking, and alcoholism, comprise this list of the absolute unhealthiest counties in the Bluegrass State.
Here are the 10 unhealthiest counties in Kentucky:
There is around 12,805 residents that die before the age of 70, and 130 injury related deaths. Out of all the children, 50% of them live in poverty. Smokers add up to at least 41%, with obesity ranking a bit lower at 29%. The air pollution is not too bad at 12.9%, but water contamination is at 91%. The county seat for Lee is Beattyville, but it's also home to Yellow Rock, Primrose, White Ash, and Saint Helens.
Unfortunately,15,781 people passed on before they turned 70 and there were around 165 injury related deaths last year. There are around 31% who smoke, 41% who are obese and 44% of children living in poverty. The air pollution is not bad at 12.9% and water contamination has not been reported. The county seat for Breathitt is Jackson, but is also home to Kragon, Quicksand, Vancleve, and Elkatawa.
An average of 13,633 people pass before 70 in Pike, with an air pollution problem of only 13% and no water contamination reported. The current average of children in poverty is 29%, meanwhile 31% are smokers and 36% suffer from obesity. The county seat for Pike is Pikeville, but it is also home to Greasy Creek, Coal Run Village, Freeburn, and Virgie.
The premature death rate is around 16,000 in this quiet county with only 31% of the population smoking, and 41% suffering from obesity. There have been 153 deaths from accidents the past year with an average of 38% living in poverty. Air pollution is around 12.9% and fortunately, the water is clean. The county seat for Knott is Hindman, but it is also home to Mousie, Redfox, and Sassafras.
There are around 12,951 residents that pass away before age 70. The smokers average around 37%, and the obesity rate is at 36%, with 46% living in poverty. The average injury deaths thus far are 130. Air pollution is at 13%, but the water contamination violations are at 100%, aka don’t drink the water. The county seat for Martin is Inez, but it is also home to Pilgrim, Tomahawk, and Laura.
Obesity is at 40%, with smokers averaging at 33%, 35% of the children live in poverty and there are around 145 accident related deaths. There are around 14,616 residents that passed before 70. The air quality is not bad at 12.9%, but water contamination violations have been reported at 45%. The county seat for Perry is in Hazard, but is also home to Vicco, Walkertown, and Lothair.
14,698 passed before the age of 70. There are 36% who smoke, 31% are obese, 148 passed in injury related accidents and 53% of children live in poverty. Air pollution isn’t bad at 13%, and water is good despite the seemingly low overall health rates. The county seat for Clay is Manchester, but it is also home to Goose Rock, Pigeonroost, and Bluehole.
There are around 15,837 people that passed before the age of 70. Accidental deaths occurred about 127 times last year, 40% of the population smokes and 36% are obese. The air pollution is only around 13% and water is clean, despite 37% of children living in poverty. The county seat is in Hyden, but Leslie is also home to Cutshin, Bearbranch and Hell for Certain. Yes, Hell for Certain is an actual place in Kentucky… though it's not as bad as it sounds.
Almost 15,000 people passed away before age 70. There are around 162 injury deaths, 39% of the populace is obese, 29% smoke, 38% of children live in poverty, and 18% are uninsured and not receiving medical care. The county seat is Prestonburg, but it is home to Betsy Layne, Dwale, and Auxier.
This County had around 129 deaths caused by accidents, 16,000 people die before age 70, 18% are uninsured, 34% are obese, and 41% of the population smokes. The air quality isn’t bad at 12.9%, but 55% of the children live in poverty. The county seat of Owsley is Booneville, but it's also home to Cow Creek and Mistletoe.
We all want to live somewhere healthy, but for some, the choices are limited. It can take a lot of money to move, and there is no city or county without problems. Overall, Kentucky is filled with beautiful land, and relatively healthy, happy people. There are exceptions to every rule, and lacking access to clean air, water, and a sanitary living environment can quickly deteriorate someone’s health. Some of these counties have truly beautiful land, but other interactions cause higher health risks, and lower life spans. If you feel your area could work on “cleaning” up the environment, or just have an opinion, please comment.
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