1. Vermont

For the sixth year in a row, Vermont tops the healthiest state rankings. The feat is impressive considering the state ranked 17th as recently as 1998.

What makes Vermont so healthy? According to the report, it has the lowest infectious disease rate in the country and also earns high marks for its low rates of smoking, physical inactivity, diabetes, premature death risk and also ranks in the Top 10 states for its high graduation rate and low violent crime rate.

Last year: 1

Credit: AP Photo, file