Peoria, IL (March 25, 2013)—Greater Peoria is the healthiest large metro in Illinois according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. The report looks at six categories of well-being including emotional and physical health, work environments and access to healthcare. Greater Peoria outranks the Quad Cities, St. Louis, Chicago/Naperville/Joliet and Rockford MSA’s. The Peoria MSA also ranks in the top third nationwide. Of the largest 189 MSA’s in the country, Greater Peoria comes in at 62 which is up 113 spots from 2011.

The Gallup-Healthways report also compares the health and wellbeing of 436 congressional districts in the U.S. The 18th congressional district of IL ranks 154 which is up 68 spots from 2011. The state of Illinois rose in the ranks for overall health and well-being but still stays in the middle of the pack. The Land of Lincoln ranked 28 in 2012 which is up slightly from a ranking of 32 in 2011.

This report is compiled from data collected January 2, 2012 – December 30, 2012. Gallup and Healthways produce a biannual report on the Well-Being of each of the 50 U.S. states and their respective cities and an annual report on each of the 435 U.S. congressional districts. The Well-Being Index is designed to shed light on the area-specific issues so leaders can build and shape policies and strategies to address the needs of their communities. To learn more visit http://www.well-beingindex.com/default.asp.