Allen, Putnam and Van Wert counties all improved in the County Health Rankings released Wednesday by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute.

Allen saw the most improvement, moving from 42nd to 35th; Putnam moved from fourth to second; and Van Wert, 27th to 26th.

Mercer County was number six; Auglaize County was 15th; and Paulding County was 55th. Geauga County was ranked as the healthiest county in the state, while Scioto County finished 88th.

Counties were ranked according to certain criteria. Premature death rates, poor or fair health, poor physical or mental health days and low birthweight were considered as health outcomes.

In the health factors section, Allen ranked 74th of the 88 counties; Putnam was sixth; and Van Wert ranked 17th-best overall.