How Cuyahoga County rates in health outcomes
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Cuyahoga County has room to improve when it comes to the health outcomes of its residents, a new report suggests.
Why it matters: Among Cuyahoga's more eye-popping shortcomings are an overall shorter life expectancy, as well as economic factors like severe housing and high income inequality compared to the rest of the country and state.
- That's according to County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a program of the University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute.
The fine print: The annual study not only measures physical and mental health factors but also indicators like housing, unemployment, education and environmental issues — all of which can be improved for longer, healthier lives.
Zoom in: Overall, the 2025 report determined that Cuyahoga County "is faring about the same" as the average Ohio and U.S. county for health and well-being, as well as community conditions.
- However, Cuyahoga has higher rates of premature deaths (years of potential life lost before age 75), children with low birth weights, child poverty and air pollution.
The other side: The county did rate above average in exercise opportunities, the number of physical and mental health providers, and the percentage of residents completing high school and some college.
The big picture: Cuyahoga ranks middle of the pack in Northeast Ohio.
- The county is deemed less healthy than neighboring counties such as Medina, Lake, Geauga and Portage, while on par with Lorain and Summit.
- Cuyahoga is considered a healthier county than Trumbull, Ashtabula and Mahoning.
What they're saying: Places with strong civic infrastructure, such as broadband internet access and public libraries, are often healthier, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps said in a recent news release.
- "These counties are often located in the Northeast and Western regions of the country and tend to also experience more social and economic opportunities and longer life expectancy."