North Dakota’s Health Report Card Is In—and It’s Better Than Expected

Move over, kale smoothies and kombucha brews. In 2026, we North Dakotans are quietly crushing it in the health department. According to SmartAsset’s annual report on America’s healthiest states, North Dakota snagged the No. 18 spot out of all 50 states. That’s right! Our rugged plains aren’t just good for epic sunsets and windmill races. They’re also surprisingly great for well-being.

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No Silo Yoga Required: North Dakota’s Health Stats That Actually Impress

Now, before you ask, no, this doesn’t mean every North Dakotan is doing yoga poses on top of grain silos (though we wouldn’t rule that out). What it does show is that overall, folks here are making some pretty solid lifestyle choices...even if they occasionally chase a chicken-fried steak with a slice of pie.

Here are some of the most cheerfully impressive findings from the report:

• 76% of adults exercise regularly. That’s more people breaking a sweat than can explain the rules of golf. Whether it’s hitting the gym, walking the dog, or chasing kids across a frozen pond, North Dakotans know how to get moving.

• 66% of adults are getting at least seven hours of sleep each night. Yes, that’s right. A majority of us are clocking real pillow time. That’s probably because after a day of farm chores, work meetings, or just trying to remember where you left your coffee, sleep starts to look really good.

• Obesity sits at 36%. Not the lowest in the nation, but still a number worth nodding at given the legendary local love for comfort food. It’s healthy with balance, like eating a carrot stick and then celebrating with gravy.

Read More: North Dakota Population Hits Record High Nearing 800,000

For comparison, Utah earned the title of America’s healthiest state, while West Virginia rounded out the list as the least healthy. So while ND isn’t number one, we’re definitely somewhere between a couch potato and a super runner.

So here’s to us in North Dakota, where we move a lot, sleep enough to dream big, and still have room for a fry or two and a walk here and there.