Life expectancy in the United States has faced significant declines due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related health crises. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average life expectancy decreased from 78.8 years in 2019 to 77.0 years in 2020, followed by another decline in 2021. These figures reflect a broader trend influenced by various factors, including “deaths of despair” linked to substance abuse and mental health crises.
Despite these national setbacks, certain areas in the U.S. thrive with higher life expectancies. Using data from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, a program of the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, a recent analysis by 24/7 Wall St. identified counties where residents live significantly longer than the national average. The life expectancy in these counties ranges from 83 to over 94 years, with averages exceeding the national average by up to 16.7 years.
Counties with Exceptional Longevity
The report highlights that lifestyle choices and socioeconomic conditions play crucial roles in determining longevity. In many of the identified counties, residents demonstrate healthier behaviors, such as lower rates of obesity and smoking. 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%, significantly lower than the national rate, and the smoking rate is also below average at 10.7%.
Other notable counties include:
– **Dukes County, Massachusetts**: Average life expectancy is 83.1 years, with an obesity rate of 28.6% and a smoking rate of 11.0%.
– **Montgomery County, Maryland**: Residents can expect to live an average of 83.2 years, with an adult obesity rate of 24.2% and a low smoking rate of 8.6%.
– **Teton County, Wyoming**: With an average life expectancy of 87.6 years, this county boasts a healthy adult obesity rate of 22.2%.
The analysis also indicates that economic factors contribute significantly to health outcomes. Many of these counties report median household incomes substantially higher than the national median. For instance, in Loudoun County, Virginia, the median household income reaches $173,655, which is $95,117 above the national median. Such economic advantages often translate into better access to health care and healthier food options.
The Importance of Healthy Living
The findings underscore the importance of lifestyle and economic factors in determining health outcomes. In the top counties, residents engage in healthier living habits. For example, the percentage of adults not exercising regularly is lower than the national average in most of these counties. In Fairfax County, Virginia, for instance, only 16.6% of adults do not exercise regularly, compared to the national average.
Despite the overall decline in life expectancy across the U.S., these counties exemplify that with the right conditions, individuals can achieve longer, healthier lives. The report emphasizes that average life expectancy at birth is a critical public health indicator.
As the nation continues to recover from the pandemic’s effects, these areas provide a hopeful glimpse into the potential for improved health outcomes through informed lifestyle choices and supportive economic environments. The data serves as a reminder that while national averages may be declining, localized efforts can lead to remarkable improvements in life expectancy.
