Is Your City the Healthiest Place to Live? 2024 American Fitness Index Reveal
This year’s numbers uncover fresh strengths, surprising slip-ups and clear guidance for local leaders who want healthier neighbors.
Meet the Nation’s Fitness Elite – the 2024 Podium
Data released this week by the American College of Sports Medicine, in partnership with the Elevance Health Foundation, grades the 100 largest U.S. cities across 33 evidence-based metrics. After crunching every walking path, bicycle lane and sleepless night, three powerhouse communities have broken away from the pack:
- 1st – Arlington, Virginia
- 2nd – Washington, D.C.
- 3rd – Seattle, Washington
Why Arlington, Washington and Seattle Soared Ahead
Arlington – a Model Built on Community & Environment
- 87.8 %
- 76.4 %
- 3.4 %
Washington, D.C. – America’s Produce Champion
- Tops the charts for daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
- Sits inside the top five for recent exercise (past 30 days), public-transit commuters and walk- or bike-to-work commuters.
Seattle – Parks and Perspiration
- Holds the third-highest exercise rate in the nation.
- Shows steadfast dedication to parkland investment and upkeep.
The Remaining Best-of-the-Best (#4–#10)
In order:
- San Francisco, California
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Denver, Colorado
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Irvine, California
- St. Paul, Minnesota
What Leaders Should Do Next
| Action | Impact |
|---|---|
| Dedicated funding for trails and parks | Raises physical-activity levels by up to 20 %. |
| Pedestrian- & bike-first design codes | Reduces car dependence and cardiovascular risk. |
| Fruit-and-vegetable incentives at local markets | Boosts daily produce intake among low-income groups. |
ACSM President Stella Volpe: “Post-pandemic movement levels are still lagging. Mayors, city councils and neighborhood associations must act boldly—new sidewalks, stronger smoke-free laws and smarter incentives make all the difference.”
