A small town near Washington, DC has been named America's healthiest community.

A Northern Virginia community is being recognized for its tip-top health status.

U.S. News and World Report has named Falls Church, Virginia, as America's healthiest community.

Nearly 3,000 counties and county equivalents were assessed in creating the annual ranking of the top 500 healthiest communities nationwide, with scores ranging from zero to 100 across 10 categories.

The categories of concern for improving the overall well-being of a community include population health, equity, education, economy, housing, food and nutrition, environment, public safety, community vitality, and infrastructure.

In several categories, Falls Church excelled, achieving a perfect score in education, 97 in population health, 96 in economy, 94 in food and nutrition, and 95 in infrastructure.

In 2024, Los Alamos County, New Mexico, was dethroned as the top-ranked county in "The Little City," with Douglas County, Colorado, taking second place, followed by Sioux County, Iowa, and Hamilton County, Indiana.

Falls Church also landed the top spot in 2018.

According to U.S. News, the city was ranked highly for its walkability and proximity to destinations such as libraries, museums, and playgrounds.

Both preschool enrollment and high school graduation rates in Falls Church are impressive, with rates of 93% and 97% respectively.

At least 80% of the city's residents hold an associate's degree or higher, giving the city a top score in education.

Behind the ranking

Julia Haines, U.S. News data editor, revealed to Planet Chronicle Digital that there are 92 metrics that make up each of the 10 assessed categories.

The category of population health takes into account factors such as cancer incidence, access to health insurance, and life expectancy, with life expectancy being the most heavily weighted of all categories, as stated by Haines.

This is followed by equity, education and the economy.

Falls Church ranked high in a number of these categories, Haines said.

Consistency is crucial in our rankings, and performing well in multiple categories and subcategories contributes to a county's success, as she stated to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Haines hopes the annual list of Healthiest Communities by U.S. News sparks discussions among communities and individuals.

"The list enables our readers to recognize both their community's strengths and weaknesses, potentially inspiring readers and leaders to address the challenges," she stated.

"For instance, a person might discover that their county is thriving, but a neighboring county is struggling, suggesting that a potential factor may contribute to the change in the future."

The director of Housing and Human Services in Falls Church, Dana Jones, stated that the local response to the designation has been one of joy, as the city has been recognized for something it strives towards.

She informed Planet Chronicle Digital that both residents and employees recognize the link between health, wellness, and overall quality of life.

Jones highlighted some characteristics that she thinks make Falls Church stand out, such as its renowned farmers market, excellent education system, and walkability.

Letty Hardi, the mayor, embodies fitness by strolling and sprinting around town and organizing the annual Mayors’ Fitness Challenge, as observed by Jones.

According to Jones, factors contributing to the city's ranking include trail improvements, a focus on bike safety, and the availability of healthy food.

Community members desire "the best for themselves and their families, including comprehensive health and a safe and affordable place to live," she emphasized.