WalletHub ranks healthiest and unhealthiest U.S. cities for 2026

WalletHub has released its 2026 ranking of the healthiest and unhealthiest cities in the United States, evaluating 182 cities across key health metrics. The study assesses factors such as healthcare quality, food environment, fitness access, and environmental quality to determine overall health scores. The top-ranked healthiest cities include San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; and Portland, Oregon, which benefit from strong public health infrastructure, abundant green spaces, and high rates of physical activity. Conversely, cities like Brownsville, Texas; Laredo, Texas; and Memphis, Tennessee rank as the unhealthiest, often facing challenges such as limited access to nutritious food, higher obesity rates, and poorer air quality. The report highlights significant regional disparities, with Western and Northeastern cities generally outperforming Southern and Rust Belt areas. WalletHub's analysis draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other federal sources. The ranking aims to guide residents and policymakers in identifying areas for improvement in public health.