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 2017, 33% of adults were not active, up 2 percentage points from 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 (36%) than men (28%), and black, non-Hispanic adults (34%) less active than white, non-Hispanics (31%) and Hispanics (25%).

Within Arkansas, a dozen counties had inactivity rates of 40% or higher: Arkansas, Drew, Lincoln, Phillips, Miller, Desha, Nevada, Lee, Lafayette, Crittenden, St. Francis and Monroe. The most active counties had rates around 25%: Marion, Saline, Hot Spring, Howard, Garland and Washington. Polk had the lowest rate, at 22%.

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