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Greater Richmond ranks among Top 10 Healthiest U.S. Cities
May 29, 2025
Virginia’s Richmond Region has secured a spot as the No. 9 city in the nation for supporting a healthy lifestyle, according to a new study by CoworkingCafe. The research analyzed 66 U.S. cities across 10 key health-related metrics including air quality, walkability and access to fitness centers to identify the top locations for balanced, health-conscious living.
The study places Greater Richmond among the top contenders for wellness, thanks to its strong life quality index, excellent air quality and widespread access to healthy food options.
Why the region stands out
Air quality remains one of the region’s most notable strengths, ranking No. 8 nationally and stays well below the EPA’s benchmark of 50 for good air. This is especially significant given local efforts to address asthma and allergy challenges through citizen-led monitoring and environmental initiatives.
Nutritious food access is another pillar of the region’s success. The city ranks No. 9 in the country with 54 grocery and specialty food outlets per 100,000 residents, supporting dietary variety and healthier consumer choices. Additionally, Greater Richmond offers 43.5 fitness centers per 100,000 people, placing it at No. 15 with 71 total fitness centers.
The city ranks No. 20 for park access and provides 184 public parks, giving residents ample opportunities for outdoor activity. Walkability is ranking No. 22 nationally and bike infrastructure, though developing, places Greater Richmond at No. 39.
Noise pollution levels are relatively low, ranking Richmond No. 25 and contributing to a calmer urban atmosphere. Health insurance coverage is high with 90.2 percent of residents insured, ranking No. 36.
Greater Richmond continues to expand its focus on holistic well-being, with room to grow its mental health support network. Currently ranked No. 39 for mental health practitioner density, with 12.4 providers, the region is well-positioned to enhance access as demand for wellness services increases.
Methodology and insights
CoworkingCafe based the rankings on data from trusted sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Environmental Protection Agency and ParkScore. Metrics were weighted based on their impact on healthy living, with life quality and fitness center density each accounting for 15 percent of the overall score.
