RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A new study ranks Wake County as the healthiest in North Carolina.

The University of Wisconsin released the rankings, which show the county has a relatively low smoking rate of 14 percent, compared to 21 percent for the state. It also cites the number of primary physicians and dentists available in the county.

The study released Wednesday says 12 percent of Wake County residents are in poor or fair health, compared to 18 percent statewide.

Columbus County ranked as the unhealthiest county, with 37 percent of children living in poverty, compared to 25 percent statewide. The study says 28 percent of its residents are in poor or fair health.

Most of the unhealthiest counties are in southeastern or northeastern North Carolina. The healthiest counties tend to be clustered around cities.