The life expectancy in the United States has experienced a significant decline over the past few years, with average life expectancy at birth dropping from 78.8 years in 2019 to 77.0 years in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This downward trend continued into 2021, marking the first notable decline in life expectancy in decades. Factors contributing to this decline include the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in “deaths of despair,” which encompass suicides, accidental overdoses, and chronic health issues.
Despite these troubling statistics, some U.S. counties have bucked the trend, exhibiting significantly higher life expectancies. Utilizing data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, a program of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, researchers from 24/7 Wall St. identified the counties where Americans enjoy the longest lives. The findings reveal that average life expectancy in these areas ranges from 83 to over 94 years, often exceeding the national average by 5.5 to 16.7 years.
Factors Influencing Longevity
The notable longevity observed in these counties can be attributed to a combination of healthy lifestyle choices and favorable socio-economic conditions. In many of these regions, residents are less likely to experience obesity and are more active compared to the national average. For instance, in counties such as New York County, New York, the adult obesity rate is 21.2%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 40.3%.
Additionally, smoking rates in these areas are typically lower. For example, in Montgomery County, Maryland, only 8.6% of adults smoke, well below the national average. Access to healthcare also plays a crucial role, as people in these counties are generally more likely to have health insurance. This is reflected in the lower uninsured rates seen in places like Dukes County, Massachusetts, where only 4.7% of adults lack coverage.
Economic conditions further enhance health outcomes. Most counties on the list have median household incomes significantly higher than the national median, allowing residents to afford healthier food options and better healthcare services. For example, the median income in Loudoun County, Virginia is $173,655, which is $95,117 more than the national median.
Counties with Exceptional Life Expectancy
The list of counties with the highest life expectancy features a diverse array of locations. Notable entries include:
1. **Pitkin County, Colorado** – Average life expectancy: 94.2 years
– Adult obesity rate: 21.1%
– Median household income: $109,268
2. **Mono County, California** – Average life expectancy: 93.6 years
– Adult obesity rate: 29.1%
– Median household income: $82,973
3. **Summit County, Colorado** – Average life expectancy: 92.4 years
– Adult obesity rate: 22.7%
– Median household income: $105,135
4. **Oliver County, North Dakota** – Average life expectancy: 92.2 years
– Adult obesity rate: 40.0%
– Median household income: $81,382
5. **Eagle County, Colorado** – Average life expectancy: 89.7 years
– Adult obesity rate: 22.6%
– Median household income: $110,598
These statistics highlight the stark contrast in life expectancy across the United States. While the nation grapples with declining averages, certain regions have successfully fostered environments conducive to longevity through healthier lifestyles and better economic conditions.
As the country continues to recover from the pandemic, understanding the factors that contribute to longer life spans in these counties may provide valuable insights into improving public health policies and initiatives nationwide.
