Where Marion County ranks among Indiana's healthiest counties
Marion County lags behind much of the state — and the nation — when it comes to the health outcomes of its residents, a new report suggests.
Why it matters: The analysis finds that Marion County residents have an overall shorter life expectancy than the average Hoosier, and are grappling with a number of difficult economic and environmental issues.
The big picture: Community conditions, including everything from affordable housing to accessible broadband, vary greatly across the U.S., creating wide disparities in health and lifespans.
Driving the news: The closer look at the health of Marion County is courtesy of the 2025 County Health Rankings compiled by the University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute.
The annual study not only measures physical and mental health factors but also indicators like housing, unemployment, education and environmental issues — all of which can be improved for longer, healthier lives.
"The conditions necessary for healthy, thriving communities don't happen by chance," said Sheri Johnson, a principal investigator for the project.
Zoom in: The 2025 report determined that Marion County " is faring worse" than the average Indiana and U.S. county for population health and well-being.
The county was found to have higher rates of premature deaths (years of potential life lost before age 75); housing problems like overcrowding, high costs and lacking kitchen facilities; and a high child care cost burden.
Yes, but: Some of the county's noted strengths were access to broadband, access to exercise opportunities and a positive ratio of mental health providers.
The other side: All of Marion's surrounding counties are faring better, including Hamilton County, which stands out as one of the nation's healthiest.
Some of HamCo's biggest pros were high levels of education, low unemployment and a strong food environment index, which includes access to healthy foods and low food insecurity.
Air pollution was the only area noted in the report as needing improvement.
What they're saying: "As we work toward a world where everyone has what they need to thrive, we must continue to uncover and challenge the power and rules that shape health and well-being," the report's authors wrote.
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