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National · states
Where health changes most between neighboring ZIP codes
States ranked by the average gap in ZipVitals Score between ZIP codes that sit next to each other, on a 0–100 scale. A bigger average gap means health changes more sharply as you cross from one ZIP code into the next one over.
Data release 202647 states ranked
Why this matters
For every pair of ZIP codes that sit next to each other inside a state, we take the gap between their two ZipVitals Score figures and average those gaps across the whole state. A state near the top of this list is one where health conditions change sharply over short distances — not necessarily one where health is low overall. Those are different questions, and a state can rank high here while scoring well on average.
A sharp change in health between two neighboring ZIP codes is a record of how a place was built, invested in, and zoned over decades. It describes documented conditions on either side of a line — never the people who live there, and never a judgment about where anyone should live.
What this list counts
This measure counts only ZIP codes that sit close together — within five miles of each other, measured between the ZIP boundaries, so ZIP codes that touch count as sharing a border — and only ZIP codes where we have complete data for every health topic we measure. Both rules matter: neighboring ZIP codes in open country can be far enough apart that "next door" stops meaning anything, and a place measured thinly would look more divided than it is simply because the measurement is noisier. 5 states are not ranked here for one of those two reasons; they are listed at the end of the page rather than left out silently.
Cite this list
The permalink /insights/sharpest-gradients/by-state/2026-24bd0d83 resolves to this exact release and never changes — it will keep serving these exact figures after the data updates.
Both boards use the same measurement and the same rules. Only the kind of place being compared changes, so the two lists are not read against each other.
District of Columbia
Biggest single gap: 43.01 points, between ZIP code 20009 and ZIP code 20064 — which are about 1.5 miles apart.
10.72
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 6.44 points — of all 115 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 115 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 28 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+5.95
- Social Need / SDOH+6.84
- Environmental Hazard+0.49
- Preventive Care+9.60
- Risk Behavior+6.12
- Mental Health+7.58
- Disability+6.24
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.16
- Healthcare Access+0.01
Louisiana
Biggest single gap: 40.18 points, between ZIP code 70809 and ZIP code 70805 — which are about 2.3 miles apart.
8.42
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 6.78 points — of all 1626 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,626 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 371 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+12.25
- Social Need / SDOH+7.25
- Environmental Hazard+1.51
- Preventive Care+3.96
- Risk Behavior+5.61
- Mental Health+3.62
- Disability+6.07
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.12
- Healthcare Access+0.03
Arizona
Biggest single gap: 47.04 points, between ZIP code 85249 and ZIP code 85121 — which are about 0.9 miles apart.
7.85
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 5.92 points — of all 1710 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,710 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 387 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+9.77
- Social Need / SDOH+6.62
- Environmental Hazard−0.32
- Preventive Care+8.43
- Risk Behavior+7.67
- Mental Health+7.85
- Disability+6.91
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.09
- Healthcare Access+0.20
Nevada
Biggest single gap: 30.43 points, between ZIP code 89434 and ZIP code 89424 — which are about 4.3 miles apart.
7.71
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 6.34 points — of all 670 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 670 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 156 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+7.61
- Social Need / SDOH+4.36
- Environmental Hazard+0.28
- Preventive Care+3.59
- Risk Behavior+4.55
- Mental Health+4.14
- Disability+4.38
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.01
- Healthcare Access+1.49
New Mexico
Biggest single gap: 40.03 points, between ZIP code 87025 and ZIP code 87013 — which share a border.
7.64
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 5.57 points — of all 919 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 919 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 260 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+7.98
- Social Need / SDOH+7.57
- Environmental Hazard−0.63
- Preventive Care+7.53
- Risk Behavior+5.68
- Mental Health+5.19
- Disability+6.34
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.01
- Healthcare Access+0.37
Alabama
Biggest single gap: 38.74 points, between ZIP code 35223 and ZIP code 35212 — which are about 1.7 miles apart.
7.16
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 5.42 points — of all 3109 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 3,109 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 614 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+9.72
- Social Need / SDOH+7.19
- Environmental Hazard+1.08
- Preventive Care+4.61
- Risk Behavior+5.78
- Mental Health+3.69
- Disability+6.05
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.67
- Healthcare Access−0.06
Connecticut
Biggest single gap: 39.39 points, between ZIP code 06762 and ZIP code 06702 — which are about 1.8 miles apart.
6.97
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.73 points — of all 1034 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,034 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 193 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+12.87
- Social Need / SDOH+3.84
- Environmental Hazard−0.39
- Preventive Care+7.53
- Risk Behavior+5.68
- Mental Health+2.57
- Disability+7.27
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.04
- Healthcare Access−0.03
Texas
Biggest single gap: 42.51 points, between ZIP code 77007 and ZIP code 77026 — which are about 0.7 miles apart.
6.81
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 5.18 points — of all 6461 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 6,461 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 1,300 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+16.69
- Social Need / SDOH+4.68
- Environmental Hazard+0.65
- Preventive Care+4.15
- Risk Behavior+4.83
- Mental Health+2.40
- Disability+7.70
- Climate / Disaster Risk+1.38
- Healthcare Access+0.04
Florida
Biggest single gap: 41.45 points, between ZIP code 34990 and ZIP code 33438 — which are about 4.8 miles apart.
6.69
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 5.30 points — of all 5112 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 5,112 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 923 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+9.20
- Social Need / SDOH+5.76
- Environmental Hazard−0.41
- Preventive Care+9.14
- Risk Behavior+7.07
- Mental Health+3.99
- Disability+6.70
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.15
- Healthcare Access+0.15
Delaware
Biggest single gap: 35.47 points, between ZIP code 19732 and ZIP code 19801 — which are about 2.3 miles apart.
6.62
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 5.05 points — of all 268 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 268 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 62 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+6.29
- Social Need / SDOH+4.75
- Environmental Hazard+1.80
- Preventive Care+5.83
- Risk Behavior+6.21
- Mental Health+4.44
- Disability+4.85
- Climate / Disaster Risk+1.43
- Healthcare Access−0.12
Oklahoma
Biggest single gap: 43.39 points, between ZIP code 73151 and ZIP code 73117 — which are about 4.0 miles apart.
6.62
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.64 points — of all 2150 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 2,150 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 488 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+14.00
- Social Need / SDOH+5.97
- Environmental Hazard+1.85
- Preventive Care+4.25
- Risk Behavior+5.72
- Mental Health+3.59
- Disability+6.97
- Climate / Disaster Risk+1.27
- Healthcare Access−0.24
California
Biggest single gap: 42.07 points, between ZIP code 90049 and ZIP code 90073 — which share a border.
6.60
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 5.07 points — of all 8981 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 8,981 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 1,657 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+20.06
- Social Need / SDOH+4.76
- Environmental Hazard+1.11
- Preventive Care+4.00
- Risk Behavior+5.17
- Mental Health−1.08
- Disability+8.15
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.12
- Healthcare Access+0.03
Georgia
Biggest single gap: 34.81 points, between ZIP code 30907 and ZIP code 30901 — which are about 3.5 miles apart.
6.60
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 5.18 points — of all 3613 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 3,613 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 710 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+11.33
- Social Need / SDOH+4.77
- Environmental Hazard+0.86
- Preventive Care+3.32
- Risk Behavior+4.63
- Mental Health+2.55
- Disability+5.56
- Climate / Disaster Risk+1.78
- Healthcare Access+0.01
Ohio
Biggest single gap: 42.08 points, between ZIP code 43212 and ZIP code 43222 — which are about 0.4 miles apart.
6.50
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.63 points — of all 6095 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 6,095 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 1,087 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+15.72
- Social Need / SDOH+4.30
- Environmental Hazard+0.51
- Preventive Care+4.53
- Risk Behavior+5.61
- Mental Health+4.24
- Disability+6.63
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.55
- Healthcare Access−0.02
Mississippi
Biggest single gap: 40.14 points, between ZIP code 39042 and ZIP code 39193 — which are about 0.5 miles apart.
6.50
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.89 points — of all 1810 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,810 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 399 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+16.52
- Social Need / SDOH+2.89
- Environmental Hazard+0.25
- Preventive Care+3.97
- Risk Behavior+4.59
- Mental Health+2.99
- Disability+6.98
- Climate / Disaster Risk+1.85
- Healthcare Access+0.10
South Carolina
Biggest single gap: 35.03 points, between ZIP code 29585 and ZIP code 29546 — which are about 4.0 miles apart.
6.44
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 5.01 points — of all 2133 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 2,133 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 417 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+8.05
- Social Need / SDOH+5.39
- Environmental Hazard+0.53
- Preventive Care+5.69
- Risk Behavior+5.55
- Mental Health+4.07
- Disability+5.13
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.44
- Healthcare Access+0.19
Massachusetts
Biggest single gap: 38.75 points, between ZIP code 01106 and ZIP code 01105 — which are about 0.4 miles apart.
6.39
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.60 points — of all 2273 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 2,273 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 385 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+7.76
- Social Need / SDOH+3.98
- Environmental Hazard+0.40
- Preventive Care+8.68
- Risk Behavior+6.82
- Mental Health+4.99
- Disability+6.64
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.51
- Healthcare Access−0.01
Michigan
Biggest single gap: 42.32 points, between ZIP code 48098 and ZIP code 48342 — which are about 2.3 miles apart.
6.27
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.58 points — of all 3729 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 3,729 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 732 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+10.49
- Social Need / SDOH+6.13
- Environmental Hazard+0.07
- Preventive Care+6.31
- Risk Behavior+7.04
- Mental Health+5.90
- Disability+6.54
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.09
- Healthcare Access−0.07
Tennessee
Biggest single gap: 47.06 points, between ZIP code 37350 and ZIP code 37407 — which are about 2.1 miles apart.
6.15
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.55 points — of all 3149 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 3,149 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 610 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+8.69
- Social Need / SDOH+4.16
- Environmental Hazard+0.93
- Preventive Care+10.02
- Risk Behavior+7.94
- Mental Health+6.65
- Disability+7.24
- Climate / Disaster Risk+1.52
- Healthcare Access−0.08
Arkansas
Biggest single gap: 38.26 points, between ZIP code 72207 and ZIP code 72114 — which are about 0.7 miles apart.
6.04
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.29 points — of all 1395 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,395 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 358 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+11.55
- Social Need / SDOH+4.63
- Environmental Hazard+0.97
- Preventive Care+4.73
- Risk Behavior+5.72
- Mental Health+2.94
- Disability+6.37
- Climate / Disaster Risk+1.35
- Healthcare Access−0.01
New Jersey
Biggest single gap: 35.68 points, between ZIP code 07452 and ZIP code 07501 — which are about 1.7 miles apart.
6.03
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.44 points — of all 3365 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 3,365 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 551 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+7.07
- Social Need / SDOH+5.65
- Environmental Hazard−0.16
- Preventive Care+8.09
- Risk Behavior+5.47
- Mental Health+3.42
- Disability+6.32
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.09
- Healthcare Access−0.11
North Carolina
Biggest single gap: 31.72 points, between ZIP code 27235 and ZIP code 27260 — which are about 4.3 miles apart.
5.94
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.72 points — of all 4059 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 4,059 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 787 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+6.51
- Social Need / SDOH+4.51
- Environmental Hazard+1.50
- Preventive Care+5.25
- Risk Behavior+5.30
- Mental Health+3.75
- Disability+5.12
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.04
- Healthcare Access−0.26
West Virginia
Biggest single gap: 30.53 points, between ZIP code 25526 and ZIP code 25573 — which are about 1.1 miles apart.
5.72
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.38 points — of all 4036 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 4,036 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 691 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+11.28
- Social Need / SDOH+3.92
- Environmental Hazard−0.59
- Preventive Care+2.78
- Risk Behavior+3.51
- Mental Health+3.66
- Disability+5.76
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.03
- Healthcare Access+0.23
New York
Biggest single gap: 38.87 points, between ZIP code 14610 and ZIP code 14605 — which are about 0.9 miles apart.
5.65
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.99 points — of all 6291 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 6,291 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 1,087 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+9.00
- Social Need / SDOH+5.25
- Environmental Hazard+0.78
- Preventive Care+7.30
- Risk Behavior+6.29
- Mental Health+3.92
- Disability+6.29
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.07
- Healthcare Access−0.02
Indiana
Biggest single gap: 38.57 points, between ZIP code 46321 and ZIP code 46406 — which are about 2.5 miles apart.
5.62
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.13 points — of all 3934 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 3,934 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 726 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+11.27
- Social Need / SDOH+5.25
- Environmental Hazard+1.28
- Preventive Care+4.52
- Risk Behavior+5.63
- Mental Health+3.89
- Disability+6.06
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.66
- Healthcare Access+0.02
Rhode Island
Biggest single gap: 32.14 points, between ZIP code 02906 and ZIP code 02863 — which are about 1.7 miles apart.
5.35
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.42 points — of all 324 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 324 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 64 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+6.85
- Social Need / SDOH+5.41
- Environmental Hazard−0.38
- Preventive Care+6.74
- Risk Behavior+5.15
- Mental Health+2.63
- Disability+5.48
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.24
- Healthcare Access+0.01
Virginia
Biggest single gap: 35.75 points, between ZIP code 23507 and ZIP code 23523 — which are about 0.7 miles apart.
5.29
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 4.06 points — of all 4831 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 4,831 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 864 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+14.28
- Social Need / SDOH+4.61
- Environmental Hazard−0.07
- Preventive Care+2.43
- Risk Behavior+5.17
- Mental Health+2.73
- Disability+6.62
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.03
- Healthcare Access+0.01
Missouri
Biggest single gap: 40.19 points, between ZIP code 64113 and ZIP code 64130 — which are about 1.0 miles apart.
5.19
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.78 points — of all 4082 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 4,082 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 831 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+12.70
- Social Need / SDOH+6.09
- Environmental Hazard+0.63
- Preventive Care+4.16
- Risk Behavior+6.09
- Mental Health+3.26
- Disability+6.83
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.44
- Healthcare Access−0.02
Illinois
Biggest single gap: 40.24 points, between ZIP code 60304 and ZIP code 60624 — which are about 1.8 miles apart.
5.19
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.72 points — of all 5958 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 5,958 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 1,100 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+12.48
- Social Need / SDOH+6.35
- Environmental Hazard+0.72
- Preventive Care+4.72
- Risk Behavior+5.48
- Mental Health+3.77
- Disability+6.66
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.03
- Healthcare Access+0.02
Colorado
Biggest single gap: 30.64 points, between ZIP code 81328 and ZIP code 81334 — which share a border.
5.02
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.86 points — of all 1772 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,772 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 385 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+3.79
- Social Need / SDOH+1.75
- Environmental Hazard−0.07
- Preventive Care+8.14
- Risk Behavior+6.10
- Mental Health+5.56
- Disability+5.20
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.01
- Healthcare Access+0.19
Maryland
Biggest single gap: 32.17 points, between ZIP code 21211 and ZIP code 21223 — which are about 1.3 miles apart.
4.98
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.58 points — of all 2492 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 2,492 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 449 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+12.63
- Social Need / SDOH+4.00
- Environmental Hazard+0.64
- Preventive Care+2.49
- Risk Behavior+4.70
- Mental Health+2.15
- Disability+5.87
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.28
- Healthcare Access−0.02
Kansas
Biggest single gap: 34.25 points, between ZIP code 66202 and ZIP code 66105 — which are about 2.1 miles apart.
4.86
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.44 points — of all 2250 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 2,250 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 481 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+6.20
- Social Need / SDOH+7.24
- Environmental Hazard+0.62
- Preventive Care+7.74
- Risk Behavior+4.91
- Mental Health+1.45
- Disability+5.38
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.69
- Healthcare Access+0.03
Montana
Biggest single gap: 34.00 points, between ZIP code 59243 and ZIP code 59255 — which are about 1.9 miles apart.
4.81
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.24 points — of all 516 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 516 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 186 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+9.15
- Social Need / SDOH+4.71
- Environmental Hazard−0.72
- Preventive Care+4.82
- Risk Behavior+4.02
- Mental Health+4.37
- Disability+6.07
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.56
- Healthcare Access+1.02
Utah
Biggest single gap: 21.19 points, between ZIP code 84124 and ZIP code 84119 — which are about 2.2 miles apart.
4.72
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.81 points — of all 784 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 784 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 183 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+1.36
- Social Need / SDOH+3.00
- Environmental Hazard+2.00
- Preventive Care+6.48
- Risk Behavior+3.13
- Mental Health+2.24
- Disability+2.53
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.50
- Healthcare Access−0.04
Oregon
Biggest single gap: 23.14 points, between ZIP code 97221 and ZIP code 97204 — which are about 0.9 miles apart.
4.72
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.84 points — of all 1275 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,275 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 315 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+4.09
- Social Need / SDOH−2.19
- Environmental Hazard+3.14
- Preventive Care+5.75
- Risk Behavior+4.17
- Mental Health+3.95
- Disability+3.16
- Climate / Disaster Risk+1.07
- Healthcare Access+0.01
Washington
Biggest single gap: 19.96 points, between ZIP code 98039 and ZIP code 98195 — which are about 2.2 miles apart.
4.56
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.63 points — of all 1900 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,900 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 399 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden−4.67
- Social Need / SDOH+1.38
- Environmental Hazard+1.06
- Preventive Care+8.76
- Risk Behavior+2.98
- Mental Health+8.89
- Disability+1.57
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.01
- Healthcare Access−0.03
Idaho
Biggest single gap: 20.95 points, between ZIP code 83313 and ZIP code 83348 — which share a border.
4.41
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.35 points — of all 234 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 234 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 82 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+9.69
- Social Need / SDOH+2.08
- Environmental Hazard−0.26
- Preventive Care+1.65
- Risk Behavior+1.99
- Mental Health+0.94
- Disability+4.06
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.10
- Healthcare Access+0.88
Minnesota
Biggest single gap: 36.31 points, between ZIP code 55401 and ZIP code 55454 — which share a border.
4.30
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 2.98 points — of all 2727 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 2,727 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 605 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+12.07
- Social Need / SDOH+3.86
- Environmental Hazard+0.03
- Preventive Care+4.77
- Risk Behavior+4.27
- Mental Health+4.19
- Disability+7.26
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.11
- Healthcare Access−0.01
New Hampshire
Biggest single gap: 19.55 points, between ZIP code 03750 and ZIP code 03741 — which share a border.
4.28
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.54 points — of all 1163 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,163 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 228 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+4.59
- Social Need / SDOH+2.77
- Environmental Hazard−0.28
- Preventive Care+3.36
- Risk Behavior+3.16
- Mental Health+3.37
- Disability+2.41
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.31
- Healthcare Access−0.14
Maine
Biggest single gap: 29.67 points, between ZIP code 04355 and ZIP code 04254 — which are about 3.7 miles apart.
4.22
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 3.37 points — of all 1312 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,312 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 263 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+7.84
- Social Need / SDOH+4.05
- Environmental Hazard−0.22
- Preventive Care+4.08
- Risk Behavior+4.78
- Mental Health+4.97
- Disability+4.24
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.05
- Healthcare Access−0.11
Nebraska
Biggest single gap: 35.81 points, between ZIP code 68118 and ZIP code 68010 — which are about 0.5 miles apart.
4.13
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 2.76 points — of all 1975 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 1,975 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 428 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+2.22
- Social Need / SDOH+4.68
- Environmental Hazard+0.20
- Preventive Care+10.13
- Risk Behavior+5.50
- Mental Health+7.85
- Disability+5.47
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.15
- Healthcare Access−0.08
Wisconsin
Biggest single gap: 33.38 points, between ZIP code 53213 and ZIP code 53205 — which are about 1.8 miles apart.
3.83
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 2.78 points — of all 3376 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 3,376 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 695 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+11.53
- Social Need / SDOH+4.96
- Environmental Hazard+0.07
- Preventive Care+3.51
- Risk Behavior+5.01
- Mental Health+2.42
- Disability+6.09
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.17
- Healthcare Access−0.04
Wyoming
Biggest single gap: 24.77 points, between ZIP code 82520 and ZIP code 82514 — which share a border.
3.78
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 2.24 points — of all 213 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 213 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 110 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+5.85
- Social Need / SDOH+2.98
- Environmental Hazard−0.33
- Preventive Care+4.26
- Risk Behavior+4.22
- Mental Health+3.06
- Disability+4.20
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.08
- Healthcare Access+0.61
Vermont
Biggest single gap: 15.40 points, between ZIP code 05403 and ZIP code 05405 — which share a border.
3.73
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 2.82 points — of all 619 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 619 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 127 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden−5.71
- Social Need / SDOH+2.24
- Environmental Hazard+0.09
- Preventive Care+8.64
- Risk Behavior+1.82
- Mental Health+7.01
- Disability+1.61
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.30
- Healthcare Access+0.00
Iowa
Biggest single gap: 30.99 points, between ZIP code 50309 and ZIP code 50314 — which share a border.
3.71
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 2.77 points — of all 4703 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 4,703 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 920 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+11.60
- Social Need / SDOH+5.31
- Environmental Hazard−0.56
- Preventive Care+3.26
- Risk Behavior+4.32
- Mental Health+1.71
- Disability+5.49
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.13
- Healthcare Access−0.01
North Dakota
Biggest single gap: 36.36 points, between ZIP code 58552 and ZIP code 58538 — which share a border.
3.31
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 2.06 points — of all 646 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 646 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 203 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+4.95
- Social Need / SDOH+5.56
- Environmental Hazard−0.16
- Preventive Care+7.77
- Risk Behavior+6.10
- Mental Health+5.85
- Disability+5.10
- Climate / Disaster Risk+0.41
- Healthcare Access+0.77
South Dakota
Biggest single gap: 20.68 points, between ZIP code 57232 and ZIP code 57257 — which are about 3.6 miles apart.
3.25
Average gap · points
How this gap breaks down
The middle gap here is 1.98 points — of all 828 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes counted, half have a wider gap than that and half have a narrower one. It is shown as a check on the average, not as a second ranking.
This average covers 828 pairs of neighboring ZIP codes across 230 ZIP codes. Every pair counts the same, so a quiet edge of the map has as much say as the busiest part of it.
The nine parts of the Score each account for some of this gap. They add up to the total above. A negative figure means that part of the Score is closer between the two ZIP codes than the overall gap suggests — the parts do not all move together.
- Chronic Disease Burden+2.68
- Social Need / SDOH+1.50
- Environmental Hazard−0.24
- Preventive Care+5.36
- Risk Behavior+4.48
- Mental Health+3.62
- Disability+3.44
- Climate / Disaster Risk−0.10
- Healthcare Access−0.06
Not enough neighboring ZIP codes to measure reliably
These states are not ranked above. To be ranked, a place needs at least 40 close, fully-measured pairs of neighboring ZIP codes, spread across at least 15 different ZIP codes. Below that, the average would move too much on too little evidence to publish as a ranking. This is not a finding of "no health differences here" — it is a statement that we could not measure this reliably.
- Alaska — 0 close pairs across 0 ZIP codes
- Hawaii — 0 close pairs across 0 ZIP codes
- Kentucky — 0 close pairs across 0 ZIP codes
- Pennsylvania — 0 close pairs across 0 ZIP codes
- Puerto Rico — 0 close pairs across 0 ZIP codes