America’s Top and Least Sedentary States

Unhealthy habits prevalence by states

October 29, 2025

3 min to read

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Top 5 sedentary states: Georgia: 38%, Mississippi: 37%, Alabama: 36%, Arkansas: 35%, Louisiana: 35%.
Top 5 least sedentary states: Massachusetts: 15%, Colorado: 16%, California: 17%, Hawaii: 18%, Vermont: 18%.

America’s Top and Least Sedentary States

How active are Americans? State-level data on sedentary lifestyles provides a revealing look at where residents move the least and where active living is the norm.

The numbers below show the sedentary rate, defined as the proportion of adults who self-report a sedentary lifestyle.

Top 10 Sedentary States

1. Georgia: 38%
2. Mississippi: 37%
3. Alabama: 36%
4. Arkansas: 35%
5. Louisiana: 35%
6. West Virginia: 34%
7. Kentucky: 33%
8. Tennessee: 33%
9. Oklahoma: 32%
10. South Carolina: 32%


Southern states dominate the top of the sedentary list. Georgia leads the nation with over a third of adults living largely inactive lives. This clustering is linked to a combination of socioeconomic factors, climate, and limited access to safe or appealing spaces for physical activity in many parts of the rural South.

Least 10 Sedentary States

1. Massachusetts: 15%
2. Colorado: 16%
3. California: 17%
4. Hawaii: 18%
5. Vermont: 18%
6. New Hampshire: 19%
7. Utah: 19%
8. Minnesota: 19%
9. Washington: 19%
10. Oregon: 19%


The least sedentary states are a mix of active West Coast, New England, and mountain states. Massachusetts leads with only 15% sedentary adults. Colorado and California follow closely, reflecting a strong culture of exercise, walkable cities, and ample access to outdoor recreation.


Why the differences?

States at the top of the sedentary list tend to have higher poverty rates, less walkable infrastructure, and harsher summer climates—factors that make exercise less accessible or inviting. In contrast, less sedentary states often boast higher incomes, more public investment in active lifestyles, and local cultures that value outdoor activity.

Conclusion

There is a dramatic gap between the most and least sedentary states. Where you live can play a significant role in your likelihood to stay active—shaped by income, geography, climate, and culture. For public health and policymakers, understanding and addressing these disparities offers a powerful way to improve health across the nation.

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