Middlesex Co. Among Healthiest In New Jersey, U.S.: Study

NEW JERSEY — Middlesex County was among the 500 healthiest communities in the US, according to a 2021 ranking by U.S. News, which looked at categories such as the environment, infrastructure, and community vitality.

Ten counties in New Jersey made the list. Hunterdon and Morris County were placed in the top 20, while Middlesex County ranked 350.

The ranking was based on a framework developed by a committee appointed to advise the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. About 3,000 counties were scored based on 84 indicators across 10 categories.

The health score of each county was also impacted by economic factors, as well as education and housing, among others.

"Knowing how such factors interact to create a healthier community – or a sicker one – is an important first step toward targeting resources where they'll do the most good," according to U.S. News.

Here’s how the New Jersey counties placed:

• 15 - Hunterdon County
• 20 - Morris County
• 51 - Somerset County
• 92 - Bergen County
• 107 - Sussex County
• 208 - Burlington County
• 254 - Monmouth County
• 350 - Middlesex County
• 397 - Warren County
• 399 - Gloucester County

The full ranking is available here, and more information about how the ranking was developed can also be found online.

(With reporting from Catarina Moura, Patch Staff)

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