Ball State Unveils ‘Healthy, Wealthy, Wise’ Index

Ball State Economist Mike Hicks co-authored the report.

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Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research has released its Healthy, Wealthy, Wise Index, measuring the health of all 92 Indiana counties. CBER Director Mike Hicks says the results show a "huge disparity" in health and health care costs across rural and urban settings.

The center created the index for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, its foundation and the Wellness Council of Indiana. Council Executive Director Chuck Gillespie says the index will help business decision makers understand "why ‘healthy’ must be a big priority in order to ensure the viability of their communities and workplaces."

Hicks says he hopes local governments will use the information to spark partnerships with businesses and nonprofits "to figure out how wellness can be more effectively spread throughout our communities."

Researchers reported the highest scores in Bartholomew, Dearborn, Dubois and Kosciusko counties as well as those surrounding Indianapolis. Rural areas tended to score lower.

You can see the full report by clicking here.