ROUND ROCK, Texas - Williamson County, which is home to most of the City of Round Rock, today was named the healthiest county in Texas by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The nationwide study weighs factors such as access to healthcare, health behaviors, graduation rates, premature death, low birth-weight babies, single-parent households, violent crime rates, air quality, and access to recreation. County residents have access to six hospitals (four in Round Rock) and numerous clinics and medical practices.

Dr. Chip Riggins, executive director for Williamson County and Cities Health District, noted, "It's not how many resources you have, but how you use them that makes the difference. We have an ongoing community health improvement process."

Round Rock Chamber of Commerce President Doug Kurkul said, "Public health is a key element in a community's quality of life, and a critical factor in terms of attracting and retaining good jobs in a community. Williamson County public officials and employers are to be commended for their longstanding commitment to healthy living, which is reflected in today's announcement." The online Rankings are available at www.countyhealthrankings.org/texas/williamson.

Just north of Austin, with about 100,000 residents, Round Rock is one of the nation's fastest-growing cities, and is home to four hospitals, several higher education institutions, thriving global companies including Dell, entrepreneurial small businesses, safe neighborhoods, quality schools and AAA Pacific Coast League baseball. Purpose, passion and prosperity are the driving principles in Round Rock.