A report from the Wisconsin Health Institute shows that Delaware County is about as healthy as the average county in Pennsylvania, but better than average when compared to the nation, writes Max Bennett for Patch.

Researchers assessed Pennsylvania county health based on a number of metrics, including behaviors, access to health care, longevity and quality of lives.

The report’s data was compiled between 2017 and 2021.

Delaware County pulled out ahead when compared health factors to the state and the nation.

Health factors are things that we can do to live longer and healthier lives.

Access to exercise opportunities was greater in Delaware County, at 98 percent , than it was in the state, which stood at 86 percent, or the nation, which was at 84 percent.

We also scored well by comparison on our access to health foods. Delaware County scored a 9 out of 10 on the food environment index, while other counties in Pennsylvania came in at 8.5 out of 10, while nationally the figure was 7.7 out of 10.

The study also reported that 15 percent of county residents are in poor or fair health, compared to 15 percent statewide and 14 percent nationally.

Find out more about Delaware County health, and more in Patch.

Here’s how things looked health-wise in Delaware County six years ago.