A WalletHub study shows Tennessee has the eighth most vulnerable population to COVID-19.
The Washington, DC based personal finance group reports that nearly 75 percent of patients hospitalized with coronavirus are at least 50 years old, and around 90 percent have pre-existing conditions. WalletHub notes that it's important for states with larger vulnerable populations to have greater protective measures. Vulnerability isn't just health-related, though, as many people are harmed by the economic effects of the pandemic.
What are the areas in which the group's study placed Tennessee in this position:
- 25th - Share of Population Aged 65 & Older
- 3rd - Share of Population Diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- 16th - Share of Unsheltered Homeless Population
- 29th - Share of Homes Lacking Access to Basic Hygienic Facilities
- 8th - Unemployment Insurance Recipiency Rate
If Tennessee is number 8 in WalletHub's list of populations that are most vulnerable to COVID-19, which states make up the top 10?
- West Virginia
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Florida
- Tennessee
- South Carolina
- Georgia
Least Vulnerable State
Which state did the personal finance group rank best (or least vulnerable for its citizens to contract coronavirus)? WalletHub ranked Utah in that prestigious position.
WalletHub Anlyst Jill Gonzalez said, "Utah has far fewer people with pre-existing conditions than most other states, along with the smallest elderly population, which means its citizens have a much lower risk of severe symptoms and hospitalization from coronavirus. Utah residents are well-prepared financially to survive the pandemic, as the state has the highest percentage of households who saved money for unexpected expenses or emergencies in the past 12 months.
