13. New Mexico
New Mexico has the lowest high school graduation rate in the country, significant from a health perspective because adults without a high school diploma have a life expectancy at least four years shorter than those that have one, and nine years shorter than college graduates. The state also has the highest percentage of children in poverty. Children who grow up in poverty are more likely to engage in risky or unhealthy behaviors, according to the report.
Strengths: Low prevalence of excessive drinking; low levels of air pollution; low rate of cancer deaths.
Challenges: High rate of drug deaths; low percentage of high school graduation; high percentage of children in poverty.
