10) Mississippi
Mississippi has the shortest life expectancy in the nation with an average lifespan of 75 years. The Commonwealth Fund has ranked the state last for healthcare. With the highest number of neonatal and infant deaths in the nation, Mississippi has the highest overall death rate. This state has the highest death rates from heart disease, hypertension and hypertensive renal disease, as well as influenza and pneumonia. Playing in an important role in the mortality rate is the significant number of residents in the state who are considered obese. About 30% of the state’s residents are obese. It is estimated that as many as 60% of the state’s residents live in poverty, which impacts the availability of healthcare. The state has the lowest number of dentists in the nation.
