These are the 10 states with the highest life expectancy in the United States in 2024
The average life expectancy has increased after the tumultuous years of the covid-19 pandemic though a number of states exceed the national average.
A longer life expectancy is an important indicator of a country’s standard of living. In the case of the United States, in recent years, this indicator has fallen.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), life expectancy at birth in the United States increased from 2021 to 2022, from 76.1 to 77.5 years.
Within the country, however, the situation with regards to life expectancy varies from state to state.
The 10 states with the highest life expectancy
According to data collected in 2020 by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), these are the states with the highest life expectancy in the United States.
On the CDC web portal you can check what the life expectancy is in the rest of the states of the country.
Hawaii
Life expectancy at birth: 80.7 years
This is the only state where life expectancy at birth exceeds 80 years thanks to lower rates of smoking and obesity.
Washington
Life expectancy at birth: 79.2 years
The leading causes of death in the state are: cancer, heart disease, accidents, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, chronic lower respiratory disease, diabetes, chronic liver disease/cirrhosis, and suicide.
Minnesota
Life expectancy at birth: 79.1 years
As in the vast majority of states, women have a much higher life expectancy than men in Minnesota. Lower rates of premature death and infant mortality have also contributed to Minnesota's ranking among the states with the highest life expectancy.
Massachusetts
Life expectancy at birth: 79 years
Overall, Massachusetts ranks pretty well in terms of life expectancy. The state is also home to some of the best health care and education systems in the country, important indicators for extending life expectancy.
California
Life expectancy at birth: 79 years
The state has a high rank of social security, which is reflected in a high life expectancy.
New Hampshire
Life expectancy at birth: 79 years
Fewer gun deaths and one of the lowest poverty rates in the country give the state a relatively high life expectancy.
Oregon
Life expectancy at birth: 78.8 years
Even though the state ranks high among the states with the highest life expectancy, there are significant variations from city to city.
Vermont
Life expectancy at birth: 78.8 years
In previous years, the 14 counties that comprise the Green Mountain State saw an improvement in life expectancy.
Utah
Life expectancy at birth: 78.6 years
One of the likely reasons Utah has a high life expectancy is lower alcohol and tobacco use.
Connecticut
Life expectancy at birth: 78.4 years
The state has low cancer death rates, which have declined over the past decade.