By 1808Delaware
Delaware County continues to stand out as one of the healthiest communities in Ohio and the nation, according to the newly released 2025 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHR&R) report. Issued by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, the rankings highlight key indicators of community health and well-being.
“Delaware County’s continued recognition as one of the healthiest counties in the state and the nation reflects the dedication of our residents, healthcare providers, community leaders, and public health initiatives,” said Delaware Public Health District (DPHD) Health Commissioner Garrett Guillozet. “This ranking highlights the collective efforts to prioritize health and well-being within our community.”
Key Findings for Delaware County:
- Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL): 4,329 (compared to 9,700 for Ohio and 8,400 for the U.S.)
- Life Expectancy: Highest in Ohio at 81.1 years
- Health Group 1: Ranked among the healthiest counties in the nation for both population health and community conditions
Community Strengths and Access to Resources
Delaware County’s success is linked to a strong emphasis on education, economic stability, and health-focused community infrastructure.
- Exercise & Active Living: 95% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
- Employment Rate: Only 2.8% unemployment, lower than Ohio’s 3.5% and the national rate of 3.6%.
- Educational Achievement: 97% high school completion rate, with 84% of residents having some college education.
- Economic Stability: Only 6% of children live in poverty, significantly lower than the 18% state average and 16% national rate.
“One of the most outstanding aspects of our Health District and the broader community is our strong commitment to collaboration,” added Guillozet. “Through strategic partnerships and coalitions, we continue to address health opportunities and resources in a comprehensive way, as outlined in our Community Health Improvement Plan.”
The Path Forward: A Commitment to Public Health
The DPHD, in partnership with various community organizations under The Partnership for a Healthy Delaware County (The Partnership), is currently implementing year three of the 2023-2028 Community Health Improvement Plan. This initiative focuses on sustaining and enhancing the well-being of all county residents.
Guillozet also emphasized that while the DPHD plays a vital role in county health initiatives, the County Health Rankings serve as a snapshot of overall population health rather than a direct evaluation of public health departments.
The 2025 Annual Data Release underscores a holistic approach to health, considering social, economic, physical, and clinical factors that influence both longevity and quality of life.
For more details on the 2025 County Health Rankings, visit countyhealthrankings.org.
Source: Delaware County Public Health; Image by intographics from Pixabay
