U.S. Counties Where Residents Enjoy the Longest Life Expectancies

Life expectancy in the United States has seen a significant decline since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, dropping from an average of 78.8 years in 2019 to just 77.0 years in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The trend continued into 2021, with life expectancy falling further, mainly due to pandemic-related factors and an increase in “deaths of despair,” including substance abuse and suicide. Despite these troubling statistics, certain counties across the nation have maintained or even improved their life expectancies.

Using data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, a program of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, a recent analysis identified counties where residents live significantly longer than the national average. In these areas, life expectancy ranges from 83 to over 94 years, with some counties seeing an increase of up to 16.7 years compared to the national average.

Healthy lifestyles appear to contribute significantly to longevity in these regions. In many of the identified counties, adult obesity rates are lower, and physical activity levels are higher than the national averages. For example, in New York County, New York, the average life expectancy is 83.0 years, which is 5.5 years longer than the national average. Here, the adult obesity rate stands at 21.2%, nearly 19.1 percentage points lower than the national figure.

A similar pattern emerges in Dukes County, Massachusetts, where the average life expectancy is 83.1 years and the adult obesity rate is 28.6%, significantly below the national average. The county also reports a lower smoking rate and a higher median household income of $94,059, contributing to better access to healthcare and healthier lifestyles.

Economic factors also play a crucial role in determining life expectancy. The analysis shows that in many of these long-lived counties, residents enjoy higher average incomes, which can facilitate access to healthcare services and healthier food options. For instance, Montgomery County, Maryland, boasts a median household income of $125,076, well above the national median, alongside an average life expectancy of 83.2 years.

Counties Leading in Life Expectancy

Among the top counties identified for life expectancy, several stand out for their impressive statistics. Pitkin County, Colorado, ranks highest with an average life expectancy of 94.2 years, which is 16.7 years longer than the national average. The adult obesity rate here is just 21.1%, and the adult smoking rate is 9.1%, both significantly lower than the national rates. Furthermore, the median household income of $109,268 is substantially higher than the national median.

Following closely is Mono County, California, with an average life expectancy of 93.6 years. Similar to Pitkin County, its residents benefit from lower obesity and smoking rates, alongside a median household income of $82,973.

In Summit County, Colorado, the average life expectancy is 92.4 years. This county also reports a low adult obesity rate of 22.7% and maintains a median household income of $105,135, further reinforcing the connection between economic stability and longevity.

The list highlights that many counties with higher life expectancies also reflect healthier lifestyle choices among their residents. For example, in Eagle County, Colorado, the average life expectancy is 89.7 years, while the adult obesity rate stands at 22.6%. This correlation between lifestyle, economic conditions, and longevity underscores the importance of community health initiatives and access to resources.

Conclusion: A Mixed Picture for Life Expectancy

While the overall life expectancy in the United States has faced setbacks due to the pandemic and related health crises, certain counties have emerged as examples of longevity, attributed largely to healthier lifestyles and better economic conditions. The findings serve as a reminder of the resilience of communities that prioritize health and well-being, suggesting that with the right choices and resources, significant improvements in life expectancy are possible.

As efforts continue to address the factors contributing to declining national averages, the data from these exemplary counties may offer valuable insights into how lifestyle, health access, and economic support can work together to foster longer, healthier lives for all Americans.