Morris County Named Among Top 25 Healthiest U.S. Communities

Morris County Ranks Among America’s Top 25 Healthiest Communities; U.S. News & World Report Health Study Reaffirms Past Reports.Photo byMorristown Minute

Consistent Rankings Highlight County's Commitment to Public Health and Community Welfare.

MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. - Morris County has once again solidified its reputation as one of the healthiest regions in the United States, securing the 16th position in the latest "2024 Healthiest Communities" rankings by U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious list evaluated nearly 3,000 counties on 92 factors across 10 critical health-related categories including education, housing, the economy, community vitality, and public safety.

This recent accolade follows other notable recognitions, such as the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranking Morris County as the second healthiest in New Jersey for 2023. Additionally, a Marketwatch analysis earlier this year placed Morris County 14th nationwide based on life expectancy, health insurance coverage, and environmental factors.

Loantaka Brook Reservation in Morris County.Photo byMorristown Minute

“I am thrilled U.S. News & World Report continues to rank Morris County among the healthiest places to live in America. It’s one of the benefits of the high quality of life that everyone living here has worked to develop and maintain for decades. We have the largest county park system in New Jersey, top schools and educational facilities, and access to premium healthcare, including one of the world’s top-ranked medical facilities. Our residents can always be found on our hundreds of miles of trails or taking advantage of our active preservation programs that increasingly expand our open space and protect our many historic sites,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers.

Key initiatives contributing to Morris County's high health rankings include:

• Protection of Open Spaces: The preservation of approximately 18,000 acres helps maintain the county’s natural beauty and supports recreational activities.
• Robust Park System: Morris County boasts the largest county park system in New Jersey with over 20,442 acres of parkland, providing extensive trails and recreational facilities.
• Education and Workforce Development: Investments in institutions like the County College of Morris and the Morris County Vocational School District aim to bolster local skill development and economic growth.
• Support for Vulnerable Populations: Programs targeting seniors and veterans offer essential services such as food, housing, and healthcare assistance.
• Strong Fiscal Health: The county's sustained AAA financial rating, a benchmark for nearly half a century, facilitates low-cost funding for community projects.

Sunrise Lake in Mendham Township.Photo byMorristown Minute

Morristown Medical Center, a cornerstone of the community's health infrastructure, continues to receive accolades, ranking as the top hospital in New Jersey by Newsweek and earning global recognition.

Further underscoring the county's environmental commitment, the American Lung Association's “2024 State of the Air" report highlights Morris County's air quality as among the cleanest in the nation.

“We invite everyone to come here, play a round of golf, go boating, swimming, hiking or biking; tour our farms, attend one of our many festivals, and shop our many local main streets. To visit us is to discover that Morris County is a refreshing breath of fresh air—literally, because we also annually rank as having some of the cleanest air in the nation,” Myers added.

Craigmeur Recreation Complex in Rockaway Township, New Jersey.Photo byMorristown Minute

For more detailed insights into the factors that contribute to Morris County's ranking, or to explore the full "Healthiest Communities" report, visit the U.S. News Healthiest Communities platform.

This consistent recognition underscores Morris County’s ongoing commitment to fostering a healthy, vibrant, and prosperous community for all its residents.

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