Latest survey finds Winneshiek County is the third healthiest county in Iowa

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After four straight years of being ranked the healthiest county in Iowa in terms of health factors, Winneshiek County dropped two spots to third out of 99 counties for 2019.

The yearly survey is conducted by Iowa State University Extension.  It looks at factors such as obesity rates, smoking rates and alcohol usage.  Winneshiek County saw small increases this year in the percentage of residents in poor health and the percentage who drink alcohol excessively.  The percentage of estimated smokers fell, however.  The county also saw an increase in the number of residents with cancer.

However, Winneshiek County residents have half the number of hospitalizations per 1,000 people as the state average, and thus pay less in hospital charges--$14,909 on average, whereas the state average is $29,848.  Winneshiek County also saw a drop in the percentage of the population living below the poverty level.

The complete county health profile is linked to this story.