For the sixth year in a row, Williamson County ranks as one of the healthiest counties in Texas. The 2015 County Health Rankings list Williamson County as the third healthiest place to live among 237 counties in Texas.
Since the County Rankings were first introduced in 2010, Williamson County has been ranked #1 three times as the healthiest county in Texas and twice as the second healthiest county. The health score for each county is based on health outcomes, a snapshot of the current public health, and health factors which influence the future health of the population.
Health outcomes include data that describe how long we live and the quality of daily physical and mental health. Health factors measure the impact of education, housing, crime, employment, diet, and exercise on public health. The 2015 rankings show that the healthiest counties in Texas have higher college attendance, fewer preventable hospital stays, fewer diseases and infections, and better access to parks and gyms.
Williamson County and Cities Health District Interim Executive Director, James K. Morgan, M.D, M.P.H. says, “We are fortunate in Williamson County to have the support of community partnerships like the WilCo Wellness Alliance and our local cities and county government. The county health rankings will help us understand our strengths and assess our most pressing health problems so that we can work together on solutions.”
About the rankings
The rankings are produced by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The annual report analyzes the health of nearly all counties in the nation and ranks them within their state. The rankings are compiled using county-level measures from a variety of national and state data sources.
The Williamson County and Cities Health District uses this data to guide its prevention efforts and focus on existing health challenges. WCCHD provides public health services including Clinical Preventive Care, Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Environmental Health, WIC, Health Education, and Social Services.
The 2015 County Health Rankings are available online.
