In the United States, many aspects of health system performance are the responsibility of local governments, including county governments. In order to be responsive to the health needs of their populations, county-level decision-makers need accurate information about local health trends, health system performance, and whether their local health systems are delivering necessary health interventions to achieve good health outcomes in their counties.

IHME's US county performance research compiles available national and local health data from throughout the United States. We develop new methods for small area estimation and apply these methods to track county-level life expectancy, risk factor prevalence, and disease prevalence and control to determine how well counties are addressing the health of their residents.

Mortality from interpersonal violence falls in the United States, more lives are lost to chronic kidney disease

Life expectancy improved for both men and women in the United States, at an average of 3.5 years gained since 1990. But at the same time a number of diseases, including chronic kidney disease and Alzheimer's disease, claimed more lives in the United States in 2013 than in 1990.

US Health Map

With this interactive map, you can explore health trends in the United States at the county level for both sexes in: Smoking prevalence, life expectancy, hypertension, obesity, physical activity, and poverty.

Let’s Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties Anniversary Event at the White House

IHME Director, Christopher Murray  and one of the lead authors on the study at an event for mayors and other local officials hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama as part of the Let’s Move! Cities, Towns, and Counties anniversary convening.

The State of US Health: Innovations, Insights, and Recommendations from the Global Burden of Disease Study

This policy report presents key findings from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2010 (GBD 2010) for the US and documents trends in nearly 300 different diseases and injuries that are killing people prematurely and disabling them. The report sheds light on the substantial health threat posed by potentially modifiable risk factors such as poor diet, high body mass index, and lack of physical activity. It also provides an in-depth look at life expectancy, obesity, and physical activity in US counties.