Discover the 7 States Where People Live the Longest – and the 8 Where Life Expectancy Is the Shortest
This post may contain affiliate links.
The meaning of life expectancy, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), is the average number of years a person is expected to live. You may not know this, but geography matters when it comes to life expectancy. The national average life expectancy is 78.6 years, according to the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) but it varies widely across states. Hawaii residents, for example, live for 81.5 years on average — 6.9 years longer than Mississippi residents.
These are not just numbers — they have a deeper story. According to reports, states with higher life expectancies tend to be more outdoorsy states with the best access to healthcare and home to some of the highest median incomes nationally. Those at the top of the list have not had to cope with problems like poverty, chronic disease, and poor health infrastructure. Here are the seven states with the longest life expectancy and eight with the shortest.
Hawaii
The state with the highest life expectancy is Hawaii, 81.5 years. It has a tropical climate, amazing beaches, and a vibrant sense of community, so people live a relaxed life.
Hawaii is big on physical activity, fresh seafood diets, and high-quality health care. They have low obesity, stress, and smoking rates and are very big on family and community.
California
California has it all: beaches to mountains, a big fitness culture, and everything organically themed. San Francisco and Los Angeles are hubs for innovation and access to the healthcare system.
Moreover, with a Mediterranean diet culture, access to a top-tier medical facility, and an active lifestyle, life expectancy is 80.8.
Minnesota
Minnesota is the state’s Land of 10,000 Lakes. It has outdoor recreational activities, close-knit community ties, and an active arts scene. The life expectancy is 80.8 years.
The residents enjoy regular physical activity, high-quality health facilities, and low crime and stress levels.
New York
New York is the city that never sleeps, but residents here still live for a long time.
New York has an 80.7-year life expectancy and provides a wide variety of cultural activities, top-of-the-line healthcare, and a strong community feel.
Connecticut
Connecticut’s life expectancy is 80.6 years, and it features beautiful beaches, scenic countryside, and lovely small towns.
Also, the state has the lowest obesity rate in the country and offers very affordable healthcare for its residents.
New Jersey
New Jersey, with an 80.4-year life expectancy, is high-ranked due to its well-developed healthcare infrastructure and concern for a healthy, cheerful lifestyle.
Several famous hospitals and medical centers are located in the state, and medical facilities in the state provide the best care to residents.
Colorado
It is well known that the people of Colorado lead active lifestyles, love the great outdoors, and have access to high-quality healthcare. The life expectancy in this state is 80.0 years.
Colorado is beautiful and also one of the fittest places in the country, with cities like Boulder and Denver sharing the top spots.
These are the states with the shortest life expectancy:
Mississippi
Life expectancy in Mississippi is at 74.6 years, the lowest in the country. Despite a rich history and welcoming Southern atmosphere, the rates of poverty and lack of top education and healthcare access are also high.
Life expectancy is dragged by high rates of obesity (40.8%), chronic diseases, and low investment in health infrastructure.
West Virginia
The state is beautiful in its Appalachian way, aching from economic struggle and rates of smoking and drug addiction that are high.
The adult smoking rate of 25.2%, the highest in the U.S., and incredibly high rates of opioid addiction bring the life expectancy to 74.9, among the last in all developed nations.
Alabama
Alabama is rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty but also systemically unhealthy, with obesity and diabetes leading. An adult’s life expectancy is 74.9 years.
Healthcare access is poor, chronic diseases occur at high rates, and the economy is bad.
Kentucky
Bourbon and horse racing make Kentucky famous, but it is also home to some of the worst health outcomes in the country.
Long smoking rates (23.4%) and poor diet habits are the contributing factors to low life expectancy, which is 75.1 years.
Arkansas
Arkansas offers beautiful natural parks but has low socioeconomic metrics, which affects its residents’ health. The life expectancy is 75.4 years.
Obesity (37.4%) and smoking at high rates lower health and longevity.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma does not rank very high in terms of health, with a life expectancy of just 75.5, while its vibrant Native American culture and history might suggest it should be higher.
Longevity, however, is impacted by chronic illness rates and high mental health issues.
Louisiana
Even with its vibrant music and food culture, Louisiana is beset by mass poverty and high obesity rates, resulting in a life expectancy of 75.5 years.
Major factors are low exercise rates, high prevalence of chronic illness, and limited healthcare infrastructure.
Tennessee
Tennessee is known for its music and history, but its health challenges have lowered life expectancy to 76.1, well below the national average.
Obesity, diabetes, and issues around healthcare access are listed among the high factors resulting in high early mortality.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
10 Most Underrated States to Visit on Vacation in the U.S.
10 Most Underrated States to Visit on Vacation in the U.S.
10 States Where Americans Struggle With the Most Tax Burden
