Active adults are likely to be healthier than their inactive counterparts, leading to a higher quality of life and lower long-term health costs. Exercise can control weight, improve physical strength and mental health, and reduce risk for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancers.

In 2018, 31% of adults were not active, the same rate as in 2011 and 7 points higher than the national rate. Arkansas was 49th in the nation on this indicator (including the 50 states and Washington D.C.). Women were less active (33%) than men (28%), and black, non-Hispanic adults (34%) less active than white, non-Hispanics (30%) and Hispanics (32%).

Within Arkansas, a handful of counties had inactivity rates of 45% or higher: Lee, Randolph, St. Francis, Polk, and Clay. Sevier and Howard counties had the highest level of inactivity, at 50% and 51%, respectively. . Conway and Van Buren counties had rates of 25%. Conway had the lowest rate, at 24%.

National data comes from a federal government survey designed to collect scientific data on health risks and behaviors.