📊 Mixed Health Picture

According to America’s Health Rankings 2024, Arizona ranks 33rd in overall health among U.S. states, placing it in the middle tier. The state shows particular strengths in cardiovascular health but faces emerging challenges from climate-related health threats.

Arizona’s population of approximately 7.6 million continues to grow rapidly (7th fastest-growing state), driven largely by retirees attracted to the warm climate. However, this same climate is becoming increasingly deadly, with heat-related deaths rising dramatically in recent years.

💪 Cardiovascular Health Excellence

Arizona demonstrates strong performance in cardiovascular health metrics:

• Heart disease deaths: 44th lowest nationally (158 per 100,000)
• Stroke deaths: 43rd lowest nationally (30 per 100,000)
• Low smoking rates: 11th lowest in the nation
• Low obesity rates: 19th lowest nationally
• Active outdoor lifestyle encouraged by climate and geography

⚡ Workplace Safety

Arizona maintains good workplace safety standards, ranking as the 2nd safest state for workers in the Southwest (behind only California) with 2.7 deaths per 100,000 workers. This is particularly noteworthy given the state’s substantial construction and outdoor work sectors.

🌡️ Heat Death Crisis

Arizona faces an unprecedented heat-related health emergency that has become a defining public health challenge:

• 350% increase in heat deaths over the last 5 years
• 742 heat-related deaths in 2023, making it the 12th leading cause of death
• Daily heat deaths occurred for 44 consecutive days in summer 2024 (June 18 – July 31)
• Most affected: Adults over 50, non-Hispanic whites, outdoor workers
• 25% of heat deaths involve substance use, often stimulants
• Maricopa County alone saw 140 heat deaths per million residents in 2023

🦠 COVID-19 Impact Legacy

Arizona was uniquely impacted by COVID-19, being the only state in the U.S. where COVID-19 became the leading cause of death during the first years of the pandemic. While COVID-19 has since dropped to 13th place (2023) and out of the top 15 (2024), the state’s age-adjusted death rate was 37.5% higher in 2021 than in 2019.

🧠 Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Arizona faces elevated rates of behavioral health challenges:

• Suicide rate: 13th highest nationally (19 per 100,000)
• Drug overdose deaths: 17th highest nationally
• Liver disease deaths: 9th highest (often alcohol-related)
• Social isolation particularly affects rural and elderly populations

⚠️ Life Insurance Considerations

Arizona’s unique health profile affects life insurance considerations. While the state has strengths in cardiovascular health, the emerging heat crisis and elevated suicide/substance abuse rates may impact certain applications. Many Arizona residents, particularly those in good health, can qualify for no-medical-exam life insurance due to the state’s generally favorable health outcomes.

For traditional coverage, most residents qualify well with top-rated life insurance companies, though those in high-heat exposure occupations should consider comprehensive coverage.

Given Arizona’s elevated accident rates and emerging heat risks, residents may benefit from accidental death coverage as supplemental protection.

Arizona Heat Health Initiative

Arizona is pioneering innovative approaches to address the heat health crisis:

• Establishment of heat-specific early warning systems
• Expanded cooling center networks throughout urban areas
• Public education campaigns on heat safety and recognition
• Integration of heat considerations into urban planning
• Research partnerships with universities on heat vulnerability
• Enhanced emergency response protocols for extreme heat events

🏥 Healthcare System Challenges and Strengths

Arizona’s healthcare system shows mixed performance:

• Healthcare outcomes: 16th nationally (strong when accessible)
• Healthcare access: 46th nationally (significant barriers)
• Healthcare affordability: 33rd nationally
• Rural-urban disparities in access and specialists
• Growing medical tourism and retirement healthcare sector

👥 Aging Population Management

As a major retirement destination, Arizona is developing comprehensive approaches to senior health:

• Specialized geriatric care infrastructure
• Age-friendly community initiatives
• Social isolation prevention programs
• Integrated care models for complex chronic conditions
• Enhanced emergency services for heat-vulnerable populations

Arizona’s health future will be shaped by its ability to adapt to climate challenges while maintaining its strengths:

• Climate adaptation: Success in managing heat health will determine long-term habitability
• Healthcare access expansion: Addressing the 46th ranking in healthcare availability
• Mental health investment: Reducing suicide and substance abuse rates
• Continued growth management: Balancing rapid population growth with infrastructure needs
• Innovation opportunities: Leading national efforts in heat health research and adaptation
• Leveraging strengths: Building on low cardiovascular disease rates and healthy lifestyle trends

Arizona represents a unique case study in 21st-century health challenges, where traditional health metrics are being overtaken by climate-related threats. The state’s response to these challenges will likely serve as a model for other Sun Belt states facing similar issues.

Data Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, 2022-2024

America’s Health Rankings, United Health Foundation, 2024 Annual Report

Arizona Department of Health Services, Vital Statistics, 2023-2024

Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Heat Death Reports, 2024

Arizona Public Health Association Epidemiological Analysis, 2024

Commonwealth Fund State Health System Performance Rankings, 2025

University of Arizona MAP Dashboard Heat Research, 2024

March of Dimes, 2024 Report Card for Arizona

USAFacts Health Data Analysis, 2023-2024

National Weather Service Extreme Heat Data, 2024