Routt County among 10 healthiest counties in U.S., according to U.S. News rankings
John F. Russell
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Routt County has once again been identified as one of the healthiest counties in the United States, according to U.S. News Healthiest Communities rankings released this week.
According to the ranking, Routt County is the eighth healthiest county in the country, based on 80 indicators across 10 categories that drive health outcomes.
The top 500 counties were scored on population health, equity, education, economy, housing, food and nutrition, environment, public safety, community vitality and infrastructure.
The top-ranked county was Falls Church City, Virginia; followed by Douglas County, Colorado, in second; and Broomfield County, Colorado, in third. Ouray County, Colorado, was ninth. For a complete list of the rankings, click here.
Routt County has been recognized for its health before.
In 2017, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognized Routt County as the fourth healthiest of Colorado counties, up from seventh place in 2016, fifth in 2015 and 11th in 2014.
In 2013, survey results released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified Routt County as the fittest county in Colorado, the fittest state in the U.S.
Steamboat Today reporter Joel Reichenberger traveled to Holmes County, Mississippi, that year to report on the differences in lifestyle between Routt County and Holmes County, then identified as the county with the highest rate of obesity in the state with the highest rate.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
Readers around Steamboat and Routt County make the Steamboat Pilot & Today’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.
Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.
Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: Moderator
Trusted User
The quandaries of quarantine: Local public health director explains the process
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — When it comes to people complying with COVID-19 quarantines, Routt County Director of Public Health Roberta Smith said the response has been variable.