Communities across the country differ radically in key health metrics, and that poses a big problem for employers in the country's least healthy communities. A report by the Vitality Institute, a health research group, suggests that certain industries are disproportionately burdened by an unhealthy workforce because of their geographic location. 

Retail trade, public administration, manufacturing and transportation and warehousing were the economic sectors identified as most likely to located in areas plagued by high rates of smoking, obesity, diabetes and low rates of physical activity. 

Economic sectors that are typically located in lower-risk areas include hospitality and wholesale trade. The locations of sectors that are present in most locations –– such as educational services –– did not appear to be affected strongly by the health of their surrounding areas either way.