Where Marion County ranks among Indiana's healthiest counties
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Marion County lags behind much of the state — and the nation — when it comes to the health outcomes of its residents, a new report suggests.
Why it matters: The analysis finds that Marion County residents have an overall shorter life expectancy than the average Hoosier, and are grappling with a number of difficult economic and environmental issues.
The big picture: Community conditions, including everything from affordable housing to accessible broadband, vary greatly across the U.S., creating wide disparities in health and lifespans.
Driving the news: The closer look at the health of Marion County is courtesy of the 2025 County Health Rankings compiled by the University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute.
- 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.
- "The conditions necessary for healthy, thriving communities don't happen by chance," said Sheri Johnson, a principal investigator for the project.
Zoom in: The 2025 report determined that Marion County "is faring worse" than the average Indiana and U.S. county for population health and well-being.
- The county was found to have higher rates of premature deaths (years of potential life lost before age 75); housing problems like overcrowding, high costs and lacking kitchen facilities; and a high child care cost burden.
Yes, but: Some of the county's noted strengths were access to broadband, access to exercise opportunities and a positive ratio of mental health providers.
The other side: All of Marion's surrounding counties are faring better, including Hamilton County, which stands out as one of the nation's healthiest.
- Some of HamCo's biggest pros were high levels of education, low unemployment and a strong food environment index, which includes access to healthy foods and low food insecurity.
- Air pollution was the only area noted in the report as needing improvement.
What they're saying: "As we work toward a world where everyone has what they need to thrive, we must continue to uncover and challenge the power and rules that shape health and well-being," the report's authors wrote.
Go deeper: Where Indianapolis kids have the most — and least — opportunity