Philadelphia Ranks 54th of 100 Cities in 2026 American Fitness Index

PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia landed 54th out of the 100 largest American cities in the 2026 American Fitness Index, a middle-of-the-pack finish that masks two very different report cards.

The annual index, published by the American College of Sports Medicine and now in its 19th year, scores cities on personal health behaviors and on the community assets that make active living possible.

On personal health, Philadelphia ranked 84th. The city scored above average for smoking, poor physical and mental health, obesity, asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes, according to USA Today.

On community and environment, Philadelphia soared to 10th. Ninety-five percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, compared with a 71.8 percent average across the ranked cities, and the city’s walk score of 74.8 far exceeded the 47.5 average.

Philadelphians also ranked above average for bicycling or walking to work, using public transportation and eating fruit, suggesting the city’s infrastructure supports healthy habits even when health outcomes lag.

The regional comparison is less flattering. Washington, D.C., took second place nationally. Pittsburgh tied for 22nd, New York City came in at 26th, and Newark and Jersey City landed at 36th and 38th.

Philadelphia’s one consolation among its peers is that it edged out Baltimore, which finished 56th.

The index is designed as a planning tool for city officials, measuring everything from park access and transit to local policies that promote active living. For Philadelphia, the message is consistent. The parks are there. The health gains have not caught up.