A constellation of factors ranging from illness to dangerous jobs combine to give West Virginia the highest percentage in the country of residents with disabilities.

U.S. Census data released this week show that roughly 19 percent of West Virginians say they have disabilities. The national average is 12 percent.

Mary Carter, a professor of community medicine at West Virginia University, says there are a number of likely reasons for that ranking.

West Virginia has one of the oldest populations in the country, and its residents struggle with a range of chronic illnesses, often stemming from unhealthy lifestyles.

Carter also says industries in the state like mining and logging have greater risks of disabling injuries than office work.

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