Wyandotte Ranks Poorly In County Rankings

Wyandotte County in the Greater Kansas City Metro Area, once again ranks as one of the state of Kansas' least healthy counties. In fact, out of 100 counties ranked in the state, Wyandotte is listed 97th overall and registered three last place category rankings.

The rankings, which were released this April, are based on a variety of data sources and include health outcomes (mortality and morbidity), health factors (health behaviors and clinical care) and policies and programs (social and economic factors and physical environment).

The Missouri side of the Kansas City metro area has rankings in its state, which include No. 2 Platte County, No. 10 Clay County, No. 17 Cass County, No. 66 Ray County and No. 71 Jackson County.

The Kansas side of the metro area ranges from Johnson County, which is the second-ranked county in that state to Wyandotte County, which ranks 97th. In between are No. 22 Leavenworth County and No. 26 Miami County.

Wyandotte County ranked 97th out of 100 counties in health outcomes, 100th in health factors, social and economic factors and in physical environment. KC Healthy Kids focuses its efforts to improve the quality of living for residents in Kansas City, Kan. and Kansas City, Mo. through its Bi-State Healthy Kids Initiative.

The initiative works at the neighborhood and regional level to advocate for policy and physical environment changes that support healthy eating and active living. There have been many positive changes in the communities that support residents who want to make behavior changes for a healthier lifestyle.

The addition of community gardens is providing healthy food and income to neighborhood residents, while new playgrounds and recreation areas are creating opportunities for physical activity. At the regional level, policy changes, such as Complete Streets Resolutions, which support the physical environment, promote options to walk and bike in neighborhoods. 

The rankings are created by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

To see the rankings click here.