Vermont is the healthiest state in the nation. That's according to the latest report by the American Health Ratings. So how where does Montana rank? Today, News Channel 5 takes look at our state's health report card, examining at the positives, as well as areas that could use improvement.

Earning an overall health rating of 26th, Montana struggles in certain categories, sitting dead last in immunization coverage among small children.

"Immunization is one of the best ways to prevent disease,” said Kate Marone of Cascade City-County Health Department. “It is disheartening to know that many children in Montana aren't getting vaccinated."

Marone hopes some positive comes from the low score, in the form of awareness.

Meanwhile, only 11 states have less violent crime than Montana. However, the rate of that crime has doubled statewide over the past 10 years.

"We need to take our own safety seriously,” said Officer Jesse Slaughter of the Great Falls Police Department. “We'll protect and serve, but people have to be aware of thier own surroundings."

Now here is the good news. The study puts Montana in the top 10 in three categories. Our state has a low rate of deaths from cardiovascular disease (7th in the nation), low air pollution (8th in the nation), and ranked 9th in obesity. These are numbers Montanans can be proud of.

"It's a great place to live,” said Rick Engellant of Great Falls. “Where else can you have fresh air and no heart attacks?"

"We are pretty healthy with all of our outdoor activities," said Erica Lynn of Great Falls.

"We have healthy people here,” said Pat Strand of Great Falls. “My mother is almost 96."

Taking the good with the needing improvement numbers, Montana is middle when it comes to health, with 25 states scoring better, and 24 states scoring worse.

For child immunization information , please visit the cascade city-county health department's website at cchdmt.org.

While Vermont is considered the healthiest state, the state considered least healthy is Mississippi.