Discover the U.S. Counties with the Highest Life Expectancy

Life expectancy in the United States has seen significant fluctuations in recent years, particularly due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average life expectancy at birth dropped from 78.8 years in 2019 to 77.0 years in 2020. This troubling trend continued into 2021, with life expectancy further declining by more than half a year. The National Center for Health Statistics attributes these declines to the pandemic and a rise in “deaths of despair,” including suicides and substance-related fatalities.

Despite these setbacks, certain regions in the U.S. have reported remarkable life expectancy figures, surpassing national averages. Data from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute indicates that many counties are experiencing life expectancies exceeding 83 years, a significant increase over the national average.

Counties Leading in Life Expectancy

Using insights from the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps program, 24/7 Wall St. identified the U.S. counties with the highest average life expectancy. The analysis ranks 35 counties or county equivalents based on their local average life expectancy at birth. The average life expectancy in these areas ranges from 83 to over 94 years, with differences of 5.5 to 16.7 years compared to the national average.

Counties with higher life expectancies often demonstrate healthier lifestyles. In many of these areas, residents are less likely to be obese and more likely to engage in physical activity compared to the average American. For instance, nearly all counties on the list reported lower adult obesity rates and higher rates of regular exercise. Furthermore, many have lower smoking rates and better access to healthcare, which contribute to improved life outcomes.

Economic factors also play a critical role. Households in these counties typically enjoy higher annual incomes, allowing for better access to health services and nutritious food. For example, the median household income in Pitkin County, Colorado is approximately $109,268—around $30,730 above the national median. Such economic advantages correlate with improved health metrics among residents.

Top 5 U.S. Counties for Life Expectancy

1. **Pitkin County, Colorado**
– Average life expectancy at birth: 94.2 years (16.7 years higher than national average)
– Adult obesity rate: 21.1% (19.2 ppt lower than national average)
– Adult smoking rate: 9.1% (2.5 ppt lower than national average)
– Median household income: $109,268

2. **Mono County, California**
– Average life expectancy at birth: 93.6 years (16.1 years higher than national average)
– Adult obesity rate: 29.1% (11.2 ppt lower than national average)
– Median household income: $82,973

3. **Summit County, Colorado**
– Average life expectancy at birth: 92.4 years (14.9 years higher than national average)
– Adult obesity rate: 22.7% (17.6 ppt lower than national average)
– Median household income: $105,135

4. **Oliver County, North Dakota**
– Average life expectancy at birth: 92.2 years (14.7 years higher than national average)
– Adult obesity rate: 40.0% (0.3 ppt lower than national average)
– Median household income: $81,382

5. **Eagle County, Colorado**
– Average life expectancy at birth: 89.7 years (12.2 years higher than national average)
– Adult obesity rate: 22.6% (17.7 ppt lower than national average)
– Median household income: $110,598

While the overall life expectancy in the United States remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, these counties demonstrate that lifestyle choices, economic conditions, and access to healthcare can significantly influence longevity. As the nation works to recover from recent health challenges, these regions offer valuable insights into the factors that contribute to a longer, healthier life.