With acres of parkland and miles of trails to encourage activity, well-trained professionals practicing quality medical care, and a population committed to healthy habits, it’s easy to understand why St. Charles County ranks at the top of Missouri’s Healthiest Counties listing each year. For the 13th consecutive year, St. Charles County is recognized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin’s Population Health Institute among the state’s best for both Health Outcomes and Health Factors.
“A growing community is built through an active population and a robust economy,” says St. Charles County Executive Steve Ehlmann. “St. Charles County is a clear illustration of this with a healthy workforce and strong educational system that have led to higher employment and increased productivity. Our County Government, employers, community organizations and residents work hand-in-hand to provide programs and services to encourage healthy behaviors that positively impact our well-being.”
The rankings place St. Charles County among Missouri and the nation’s top performers in many of the evaluated sections. The numbers below help explain why St. Charles County placed so well:
- 14 percent of St. Charles County residents reported being in poor or fair health — a percentage that placed among the top 10th percentile for all counties studied. Missouri average is 18 percent.
- 7 percent of St. Charles County babies were born with low birthweight (less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces). Missouri average is 9 percent.
- A lower rate for premature death than the Missouri average.
- A lower rate for injury deaths per 100,000 residents than the Missouri average.
- 16 percent of St. Charles County residents report themselves as current smokers. Missouri average is 20 percent.
- 32 percent of St. Charles County residents have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater. Missouri average is 35 percent.
- 57 percent of St. Charles County residents received a flu vaccination in 2018 and 2019 — an increase over the previously studied periods and placing among the top 10th percentile in the U.S. Missouri average is 47 percent.
- Documented recent improvements in the air quality within the county, focusing on a decrease in air pollutants.
A complete listing of St. Charles County specific data and comparisons to Missouri/national benchmarks is posted on the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps website.
“This recognition is something the entire community can be proud of,” says Sara Evers, Acting Director of the St. Charles County Department of Public Health. “It means the vast majority of our population is focused on being healthy through exercise and good eating habits and are practicing prevention such as hand-washing and vaccination. Consistently receiving high rankings as a community for 13 consecutive years further demonstrates why St. Charles County is a great place to raise a family and to start, or grow, a business.”
The 2022 County Health Rankings are based upon public data collected from vital statistics and government surveys from 2007-2020. The complete nationwide and Missouri-specific rankings may be viewed at countyhealthrankings.org.
The Department of Public Health encompasses three divisions — Environmental Health and Protection, Health Services and Humane Services — and strives to improve the health and well-being of St. Charles County residents. For a complete list of services provided by the department, visit sccmo.org/PublicHealth or call 636-949-7400.