By 1808Delaware
Delaware County has once again earned top marks for health and well-being, ranking among the healthiest counties in both Ohio and the United States, according to the 2025 Annual Data Release from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps (CHR&R), issued today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.
A Community-Wide Commitment to Health
“This ranking highlights the collective efforts to prioritize health and well-being within our community,” said Garrett Guillozet, Health Commissioner of the Delaware Public Health District (DPHD). “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.”
Delaware County’s high placement in this national report is no accident. The ranking evaluates multiple factors that contribute to population health, from medical care and education to economic stability and access to green spaces.
Key Indicators of a Healthy County
The data shows that Delaware County stands out in several important areas:
- Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL): 4,329
(Significantly better than Ohio’s 9,700 and the U.S. average of 8,400) - Life Expectancy: 81.1 years – the highest in Ohio
- Exercise Opportunities: 95% of residents live near exercise-friendly facilities
- Unemployment Rate: Just 2.8%, compared to 3.5% in Ohio and 3.6% nationally
- Education: 97% high school completion rate; 84% with some college education
- Childhood Poverty: Only 6% of children live in poverty, well below state and national rates
These numbers place Delaware County in Health Group 1, the top tier of counties nationwide for overall population health and community conditions.
Health Beyond Healthcare
The CHR&R model of population health takes into account a broad range of factors—social, economic, physical, and clinical—that influence not just how long people live, but how well they live.
Guillozet noted that while the rankings reflect the general health of the population, they are not intended as a direct evaluation of the work of any one agency or public health department.
“One of the most outstanding aspects of our Health District and the broader community is our strong commitment to collaboration,” he said. “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.”
Planning for a Healthier Future
The Delaware Public Health District, along with its network of partners known as The Partnership for a Healthy Delaware County, is currently in year three of the 2023–2028 Community Health Improvement Plan. This long-term, collaborative effort focuses on issues such as chronic disease prevention, mental health, maternal and infant health, and access to care.
By maintaining strong partnerships and a focus on strategic, data-driven goals, the community continues to build on its success.
Learn More
To explore the full 2025 County Health Rankings, visit countyhealthrankings.org.
