Life expectancy is a statistical measure that indicates the average number of years a group of people is expected to live from a specific starting point, typically birth. This calculation is based on a life table, which records the number of individuals and the number of deaths at each age within a population. The data used for this purpose is obtained from the National Vital Statistics Reports.
A state’s life expectancy significantly reflects the health and well-being of its residents. It is an important indicator of the overall quality of life, healthcare systems’ effectiveness, and environmental factors’ impact on the population.
The 50 states are ranked in descending order based on life expectancy, from where people statistically live the longest to where they live the shortest.
Lastly, we included Washington, D.C. We know it’s not a state, but we included it anyway.
1. Hawaii
With the best average life expectancy in the United States, Hawaii comes up to an average rate of 80.7 years. Women in Hawaii are the longest-living individuals in the country, with a life expectancy of 83.8, while men also have a good average of 77.6 here.
2. Washington
Washington is known for its stunning landscapes and technological innovation. The average life expectancy stands at 79.2 years in this state. Men navigate an average of 76.9 years, while women lead the way with an impressive 81.6 years.
3. Minnesota
In the third spot, Minnesota has men living up to an average age of 76.8 and women living up to 81.4 years on average. The overall life expectancy here is 79.1. The primary reason for death here is cancer.
4. California
In the Golden State of California, where innovation and diversity thrive, the average life expectancy is 79.0 years. Men navigate an average of 76.2 years, while women lead the way with an impressive 82.0 years.
5. Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, where the spirit of American history resonates, the average life expectancy stands at 79.0 years. Men navigate an average of 76.4 years, while women lead the way with an impressive 81.5 years.
6. New Hampshire
New Hampshire beats Oregon with a spectacular life expectancy average of 79.0. The state attracts outdoor enthusiasts, and people here are fit. With men having an average life expectancy rate of 76.5 and women averaging 81.5, the state still has a gender disparity.
7. Oregon
Coming in at seventh position is Oregon, with a 78.8 average life expectancy and people having some of the best health conditions. Men here average about 76.3 years, while women average about 81.3 years.
8. Vermont
Vermont is the state where men traverse an average of 76.1 years, while women, with a graceful stride, lead the way with an average of 81.4 years. The overall life expectancy here is 78.8 on average.
9. Utah
In Utah, despite a life expectancy of 78.6 years, the state grapples with health challenges, including a drug overdose death rate of 21.1 per 100,000 and a firearm injury death rate of 13.9 per 100,000. Men in Utah have an average life expectancy of 76.7 years, while women lead with an average of 80.6 years.
10. Connecticut
The state of Connecticut has resilient men with a life expectancy of 75.6 while women cross the milestone, reaching new heights at an average lifespan of 81.3. In general, 78.4 is the overall life expectancy for people in this state.
11. Idaho
In Idaho, with a life expectancy of 78.4 years, men have an average lifespan of 76.1 years, while women lead with an average of 80.8 years.
12. Colorado
Renowned for its breathtaking Rocky Mountains, Colorado takes the fortieth spot with a general life expectancy rate of 78.3. The women here have the same average lifespan as Rhode Island, 80.9, while men live slightly longer in this state, with an average of 75.8. Colorado also has the lowest obesity rate at 23.8%.
13. Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, heart disease takes the forefront as the leading cause of death despite a life expectancy of 78.2 years. Men in the state have an average life expectancy of 75.5 years, while women lead with an average of 80.9 years.
14. Maine
The state known for its natural beauty, Maine, has an average life expectancy of 77.8. The men of Maine average about 74.9, while the women remain in the lead with a whopping 80.7 years on average.
15. Nebraska
Nebraska demonstrates variances with a life expectancy of 77.7 years; men average 75.2 years, and women lead at 80.3 years.
16. New York
This bustling metropolis is a global financial hub renowned for its iconic landmarks such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty. With an average life expectancy of 77.7, the men here live up to 74.8 years, while the women live for an average of 80.7 years.
17. Wisconsin
With a life expectancy of 77.7 years, Wisconsin displays gender-specific differences, with men averaging 75.2 years and women leading at 80.3 years.
18. Virginia
With a relatively low infant mortality rate of 5.96 per 1,000 live births, the state of Virginia ranks thirty-fourth. With a life expectancy of 77.6 years, men average 75.1 years, while women lead with an average of 80.1 years.
19. Florida
With a life expectancy of 77.5 years, Florida has a diverse population and is a popular destination for retirees. Men in the state average 74.6 years, and women lead with 80.5 years.
20. Iowa
Iowa grapples with heart disease as a leading cause of death, with a life expectancy of 77.5 years. Additionally, the state faces a drug overdose death rate of 15.3 per 100,000. Men in Iowa have an average life expectancy of 74.9 years, while women lead with 80.1 years.
21. New Jersey
The picturesque shorelines in New Jersey have ramped up its average life expectancy to a whopping 77.5. However, the gap between men and women still exists, with men being six years short of women. Men live up to the age of 74.6 on average, while women have an average of 80.5.
22. North Dakota
Taking the twenty-second spot is North Dakota, which is known for its thriving agricultural sector. With an average life expectancy of 76.9 years, men average around 74.2 years, while women reach the noteworthy milestone of 80 years, showcasing a thriving and resilient community where longevity is a notable achievement.
23. Illinois
Illinois, boasting a life expectancy of 76.8 years, exhibits a noteworthy spread between the ages of men, averaging 73.8 years, and women, who lead with an average of 79.8 years.
24. Maryland
Ranking at twenty-eighth is Maryland, which has an average life expectancy of 76.8 years. With men here living up to an average of 73.8 and women living up to an average of 79.7, the gap between genders is quite stark.
25. Montana
In Montana, heart disease stands as the leading cause of death, showcasing a critical health challenge despite the state’s life expectancy of 76.8 years. Gender-specific differences reveal that men average 74.2 years, while women lead with 79.6 years.
26. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania reports a life expectancy of 76.8 years, with men averaging 74.0 years and women leading with 79.6 years. These gender-specific differences emphasize the need for tailored health initiatives
27. Delaware
Delaware navigates health challenges with a life expectancy of 76.7 years; men average 73.9 years, and women lead at 79.5 years.
28. South Dakota
South Dakota faces an infant mortality rate of 6.07 per 1,000 live births, indicating challenges in infant health. Additionally, people here have a life expectancy of 76.7 years; men average 74.2 years, and women lead with 79.4 years.
29. Alaska
With a leading cause of death being cancer, Alaska grapples with health challenges with a life expectancy of 76.6 years. Men average 74.3 years, and women lead with 79.2 years.
30. Texas
Texas faces a notable infant mortality rate of 5.29 per 1,000 live births. With a life expectancy of 76.5 years, men average 73.7 years, and women lead with 79.3 years.
31. Kansas
Kansas grapples with a firearm injury death rate of 17.3 per 100,000 and a homicide rate of 6.4 per 100,000, illustrating significant challenges related to firearm violence. With a life expectancy of 76.4 years, men average 73.8 years, and women lead with 79.2 years.
32. Arizona
With a drug overdose death rate of 38.7 per 100,000, Arizona faces a significant public health challenge. Despite a life expectancy of 76.3 years, gender-specific differences persist, with men averaging 73.4 years and women leading at 79.5 years.
33. Nevada
Men in Nevada have an average life expectancy of 73.5, while women in this state live up to a much higher average of 79.2. In general, 76.3 is the average life expectancy of people here, with the leading cause of death here being heart disease.
34. Wyoming
The prevalence of cancer as the leading cause of death in Wyoming highlights the significant health challenges posed by this disease in the state. With a life expectancy of 76.3 years, men average 74.0 years, and women lead with 78.9 years, emphasizing the importance of targeted health interventions.
35. North Carolina
North Carolina reports a life expectancy of 76.1 years, revealing gender-specific distinctions, with men averaging 73.3 years and women leading with 79.0 years. The prevalence of heart disease is the primary cause of death.
36. Michigan
Michigan, known for its Great Lakes, reports an overall life expectancy of 76.0 years, with gender-specific differences revealing an average of 73.4 years for men and 78.8 years for women.
37. Georgia
Located in the southeastern United States, the average person lives for 75.6 years in Georgia. From DC, there is an upgrade in men’s life expectancy, bumping up to 72.8, while women here live for less than the DC women at an expectancy of 78.3.
38. DC
Tying with Ohio is DC at an average life expectancy rate of 75.3. Gender variations in this state are roughly the same, with men at an average of 71.7 and women at 78.7.
39. Ohio
The state of Ohio has a life expectancy for men of about 72.5, while the women’s average here remains the same at 78.1. Ohio, situated in the heart of the Midwest, is recognized for its diverse industrial, cultural, and educational contributions. In general, the complete average lifespan is capped at 75.3.
40. Missouri
Missouri is home to a diverse population and rich cultural heritage, offering a blend of urban and rural landscapes. Its life expectancy is 75.1, with its men averaging 72.1 and women averaging 78.1.
41. Indiana
Indiana takes the forty-first spot with a life expectancy of 75.0 years, showcasing gender-specific variations, where men average 72.3 years, and women live longer at 77.9 years.
42. South Carolina
In South Carolina, life expectancy is 74.8 years, with variations between genders; men average 71.7 years, while women tend to live longer at 78.0 years. These disparities emphasize the importance of considering gender-specific health factors in public health initiatives.
43. New Mexico
With a life expectancy of 74.5 years, New Mexico marks a modest deviation from the national average of 76.9. With men having a life expectancy of 71.3 and women having one of 77.8, the general trend continues for this state.
44. Oklahoma
With a life expectancy of 74.1, Oklahoma contributes to the discourse on regional health disparities, trailing approximately three years behind the national average of 76.9. Men average about 71.5, while women’s life average goes up by 0.2, being 76.9.
45. Arkansas
Riddled with problems like excessive drinking, cancer, and heart disease, Arkansas comes seventh on our list with a life expectancy of 73.8. The difference between men and women bridges slightly, with men averaging up to the age of 71.1 while women averaging 76.6.
46. Tennessee
At 73.8 life expectancy, we have Tennessee, showcasing another instance of varied regional health outcomes in the United States. The men here live to about 70.7 while women live up to a much higher 77.0 as the trend follows.
47. Kentucky
Reflecting the impact of socioeconomic factors, healthcare disparities, and lifestyle choices on regional health outcomes, Kentucky has an average lifespan of 73.5. The women here live up to an average of 76.5, while men average 70.6.
48. Alabama
At forty-eighth, we have Alabama, which barely beats Louisiana with its 0.1 difference in life expectancy. People here live up to 73.1, with women aging better at 76.4 and men finally hitting the 70s with an age of 70.1, unlike the last four states.
49. Louisiana
Ranked as one of the ten highest obesity states in the US, Louisiana’s life expectancy is a reflection of the poor health conditions there. Things aren’t great here as the average is 73.1 in general, with men living up to 69.9 and women living up to 76.4.
50. West Virginia
Next, we have West Virginia, with an average life expectancy of 72.8. The difference between men and women is striking here, with men having a significantly lower average of 69.8 compared to the women’s average of 76.1.
51. Mississippi
The state of Mississippi has the lowest life expectancy at 71.9, which is lower than the average expectancy for the United States at 76.9, reflecting the impact of excessive weight gain, with 40.8% of adults being obese here. These averages vary for men and women, with men having an average of 68.6 and women having an average of 75.2.
Source: World Population Review. CDC.
