Omari Gates
Australia ranked among the top ten healthiest countries in the world in 2024, but how do its states and territories compare to one another? A recent health risk report has ranked Australia's states and territories from healthiest to unhealthiest, taking into account factors such as alcohol intake, fruit and vegetable consumption, smoking, and exercise. While Victoria has been named the healthiest state overall, other studies have found Tasmania to be the healthiest state based on environmental and socioeconomic factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Healthiest State | Tasmania |
| Healthiest Capital City | Hobart |
| Healthiest City | Greater Sydney |
| Unhealthiest State | Queensland |
| State with the Highest Population | Victoria |
| State with the Highest Median Age | Tasmania |
| State with the Highest Percentage of Daily Smokers | Queensland |
| State with the Lowest Fruit and Vegetable Intake | Queensland |
| State with the Highest Alcohol Consumption | Northern Territory |
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What You'll Learn
Tasmania: the healthiest state according to a Monash University study
Tasmania has been named the healthiest state in Australia, according to a Monash University-led study. The research, published in Environment International, found that Tasmania and its capital city, Hobart, were the healthiest state/territory and capital city to live in, respectively.
The study, led by Professor Yuming Guo from Monash University's School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, analysed 2,180 Statistical Areas Level 2 across all regions in Australia. It combined mortality data with environmental exposure data, including air quality, temperature, road and building density, green space, and socioeconomic status. This data was used to rank all states and territories on an Environmental Quality Health Index (EQHI).
Tasmania scored well on several factors, including higher green space, better air quality, lower temperatures, and lower building and road density. These factors contributed to a healthier environment and reduced mortality risk. Despite this, it is important to note that Tasmanians have typically been in poorer health compared to other Australians, and the state's healthcare system faces structural problems.
The Monash University study contradicts other rankings, which name Victoria as the healthiest state based on healthy habit data such as alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, and exercise levels. According to these rankings, Victoria excelled in maintaining healthy alcohol consumption and exercise habits. However, Tasmania's top ranking by Monash University highlights the importance of environmental and socioeconomic factors in determining health outcomes.
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Victoria: the state with the healthiest habits
Victoria has been named the state with the healthiest habits in Australia. This is based on a health risk report by insurance comparison website iSelect, which ranked the states and territories from healthiest to unhealthiest. The rankings were based on healthy habit data, including alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, and exercise levels.
Victorians excelled in two key areas: they are the least likely to exceed alcohol guidelines and the most likely to meet exercise guidelines. More than 75% of Victorians kept within the guidelines for alcohol consumption, the highest in any state. They also had the highest proportion of people who met the exercise guidelines.
The report also found that Victoria had the second-highest population among the states and territories, with just over one quarter (25.5%) of the national population. Over three quarters (77.5%) of the Victorian population lived in a major city, and in 2022, the median age was 38.0 years, similar to the median age of Australia as a whole.
While Victoria has the healthiest habits overall, other factors can also contribute to the health of a state or territory. For example, Tasmania has been ranked as the healthiest state in terms of environmental and socioeconomic factors by researchers at Monash University. The Environmental Quality Health Index (EQHI) developed by the researchers considered 12 factors, including air quality, temperature, road and building density, and socioeconomic status. Tasmania scored well due to its higher green space, better air quality, lower temperature, and lower building and road density.
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Queensland: the unhealthiest state
Queensland has been named the unhealthiest state in Australia, with a range of factors contributing to this ranking. The state has the highest percentage of daily smokers and the lowest percentage of people meeting fruit and vegetable intake guidelines. Additionally, Queensland has a high prevalence of long-term health conditions, with over 80% of its residents experiencing at least one chronic condition.
The median age in Brisbane, the state's capital, is 36.6 years, which is younger than the median age of the rest of Queensland at 40.8 years. Brisbane attracts young adults for work and education, which is reflected in its higher proportion of residents aged 20-44. However, this younger population does not seem to translate to healthier habits overall.
While Queensland ranks as the unhealthiest state, it is important to note that the health rankings are based on specific criteria such as alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, smoking habits, and exercise levels. These factors do not encompass all aspects of health and wellbeing. Additionally, the rankings may not capture the full complexity of health determinants, which can include genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors.
Despite the unflattering title, there may be opportunities for improvement and targeted interventions in Queensland. Encouraging healthier habits, such as increasing fruit and vegetable consumption and reducing smoking rates, could be a focus for public health initiatives. Additionally, addressing the high prevalence of chronic conditions and improving access to healthcare services may be crucial areas for attention.
In conclusion, while Queensland has been deemed the unhealthiest state in Australia based on specific criteria, there are likely multifaceted reasons behind this ranking. Addressing these health disparities and promoting healthier lifestyles among Queenslanders is essential for improving the overall wellbeing of the state's population.
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Alcohol consumption: a key factor in determining health
Alcohol consumption is a significant factor in determining the health of Australians. It is the most widely used drug in the country, with around 77% of adults drinking alcohol. While alcohol is consumed in a wide range of social and cultural activities, harmful levels of consumption are a major public health concern. Excessive alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of chronic conditions, injuries, and premature death. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), healthy men and women should not exceed ten standard drinks per week and no more than four standard drinks on any given day.
Victoria, Australia's healthiest state, stands out for its low levels of alcohol consumption. Victorians are the least likely to exceed the recommended alcohol guidelines, contributing to their overall health. In contrast, regional areas outside of major cities tend to have higher levels of alcohol consumption and smoking, negatively impacting the health of their residents.
Data from 2022 reveals that more than one in four Australian adults exceeded the recommended alcohol guidelines. This includes those who consumed more than ten drinks in a week or engaged in binge drinking on at least a monthly basis. Males were more likely to exceed the guidelines than females, and young adults aged 18-24 were the age group most prone to excessive drinking. Interestingly, older adults aged 55-74 also showed a tendency towards higher alcohol consumption.
Alcohol consumption patterns vary across different states and territories in Australia. For example, South Australia has maintained stable levels of daily drinking between 2019 and 2022-23, with a slight decrease among male daily drinkers. Additionally, Western Australia (WA) has witnessed a notable decline in alcohol consumption among young people aged 12-17 over the last two decades. However, alcohol-related harms in WA are significant, with an estimated yearly death toll of 360 people from alcohol-induced diseases and 58 suicides linked to alcohol in 2019.
In conclusion, alcohol consumption is a critical factor influencing the health of Australians. While Victoria, the healthiest state, sets a positive example with its low alcohol intake, other regions struggle with excessive drinking and its detrimental health consequences. Addressing harmful alcohol consumption patterns is essential to improving the overall health of Australia's population.
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Exercise: another important factor
Exercise is a key factor in determining the health of a population. Victoria has been named the healthiest state in Australia, and this is partly because Victorians are the most likely to meet exercise guidelines. Tasmania, which has been named the healthiest state by some sources, also has the healthiest environment, with higher green space, better air quality, and lower temperatures and building and road densities. However, Tasmanians have typically been in poorer health, with higher smoking and drinking rates.
The ACT is the second healthiest territory, with the lowest percentage of daily smokers in the country. New South Wales is the third healthiest state, with the highest daily fruit consumption. South Australia is the fourth healthiest state.
Overall, it is important to note that while certain states may have healthier environments or populations that engage in more exercise, other factors such as genetics and lifestyle choices also play a significant role in determining the health of a population. For example, Queensland has been named the unhealthiest state, with the highest percentage of daily smokers and the lowest percentage of people meeting their fruit and vegetable intake. However, eight in ten people in Queensland had at least one long-term health condition in 2022, which may impact their ability to exercise.
Exercise guidelines provide a useful benchmark for individuals and populations to improve their health. Meeting exercise guidelines can help reduce the risk of chronic conditions and improve overall well-being. It is important for individuals to find forms of exercise that they enjoy and can sustain over the long term, as consistent physical activity is more beneficial than sporadic intense activity.
Additionally, access to exercise opportunities and safe spaces to be active can impact a population's ability to exercise. Socioeconomic factors, such as income and education level, can also influence an individual's ability to prioritize and engage in physical activity. Therefore, it is important for governments and communities to invest in infrastructure and initiatives that promote physical activity and make it accessible to all. This may include developing walking and biking trails, providing free or low-cost fitness programs, and ensuring that schools have adequate resources for physical education.
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Frequently asked questions
Tasmania is the healthiest state in Australia, according to a 2025 Monash University-led study. The study, which combined mortality data with environmental exposure data, found Tasmania to have the healthiest environment in the country.
The study considered 12 environmental and socioeconomic factors, including air quality, temperature, road and building density, green space, and socioeconomic status.
Queensland has been ranked as the unhealthiest state in Australia, with the highest percentage of daily smokers and the lowest percentage of people meeting fruit and vegetable intake guidelines.
Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania, has been ranked as the healthiest city in Australia, with the Monash University study citing its high scores in environmental and health conditions.
