12. Nebraska
Nebraska fell two spots on this year’s list, dropping out of the top 10. The state has decreased the level of children in poverty by 18 percent over the past year. It has decreased the percentage of its population without health insurance by 30 percent.
Strengths: Low rate of drug deaths; low prevalence of low birthweight; low prevalence of frequent mental distress.
Challenges: High prevalence of excessive drinking; high prevalence of obesity; high incidence of pertussis.
