NORWICH – According a recent study of nationwide county health rankings conducted by the University of Wisconsin, Chenango County ranks as the 33rd healthiest county in New York State.

Statistics released by the university earlier this month showed that of the 62 counties in the state, Chenango fell near the middle of the pack when it comes to overall health. Statistics were based on a number of elements including mortality, health behaviors, physical environment, clinical care, and social and economic factors of the county.

2012 marks the third year the study has been administered by the university. This year’s report indicates that Chenango County has advanced in the university’s rankings, moving up from No. 43 in 2010 and No. 36 last year.

Nearby, Madison and Delaware counties fared much better, ranking 14th and 23rd, respectively. Other surrounding counties fall shortly behind Chenango, with Otsego (39), Cortland (41), and Broome (56). Putnam County earned the No. 1 ranking and Bronx County was labeled least healthy at No. 62.