The data-mapping company PolicyMap created a health risk index for the Times, which identifies counties with high rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, lung and heart disease. Many of these counties are in areas like the South that have not been hard-hit by COVID-19. However, public health experts warned that many of these counties may be unprepared for a new wave of infections, which could have outsized effects on their populations.
Here are 11 counties with the highest health risks compared to the national average. The ranking is based on the percentage of residents who have underlying conditions in each county and the average daily growth rate of COVID-19 cases for the seven-day period ending May 14.
Note: The list only includes counties reporting at least 20 total cases and positive growth rates.
- Clinch County, Ga. — 18 percent growth rate
- Lauderdale County, Tenn. — 11 percent
- Butler County, Ala. — 7 percent
- Humphreys County, Miss. — 6 percent
- Dallas County, Ala. — 6 percent
- Bullock County, Ala. — 5 percent
- Lowndes County, Ala. — 5 percent
- Bertie County, N.C. — 4 percent
- Choctaw County, Ala. — 4 percent
- Marengo County, Ala. — 4 percent
- Holmes County, Miss. — 4 percent
To view the full ranking, click here.
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