7) Vermont
With an average life expectancy of 80.5 years, Vermont bucks a trend of rural areas having shorter lifespans. Even though Vermont has an aging population, it makes the list for several reasons. Positive health outcomes are often tied to income and the median household income here is equal to the national average. The same goes for high education levels. Vermont residents have more years of formal education than the national average. The unemployment rate is low, which means less stress and depression, and most Vermonters are insured. Many towns are creating bike paths and walking trails to encourage physical activity. Some of the issues the state faces include housing built before lead paint was banned in 1978, lack of public transportation, and rural areas without nearby access to a fully-stocked grocery store.
