Healthy hotspots: The 25 most physically active counties in the US
Regular physical activity is beneficial for both physical and mental health. But only 1 in 5 U.S. adults and teens get sufficient exercise, according to the American Heart Association.
A lack of physical exercise may lead to increased mental health struggles. Per 2024 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5% of adults in the U.S. report regular feelings of depression, and 12% of adults report regular feelings of anxiety. And while exercise might not be a magical cure-all for mental ailments, the practice can significantly improve patients' lives. A January 2026 review of medical evidence by research network Cochrane found that physical exercise is equally effective in treating depression as antidepressants and therapy.
Many studies have also demonstrated that physical exercise provides boosts to cognitive function. For example, a May 2025 review of evidence notes that physical exercise shows promise as a means of slowing age-related cognitive decline.
Needless to say, physical exercise is essential to maintaining just about all aspects of your health. So where are the best places in the U.S. to get a move on?
Northwell Health examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's annual PLACES report, released in 2023, to see which counties had the most physically active adults. The survey, administered in 2021, asked respondents if they had exercised for leisure in the past month. The data measures the share of adults who reported low or no physical activity.
Counties are ranked by the share of adults who reported any level of leisure physical activity, including running, golf, or gardening. The CDC did not include estimates for Florida because they did not meet data eligibility requirements.
The 25 most active counties in the country with at least 10,000 residents are listed below. In the event of a tie, the overall population was used.
