The 5 States with the Longest Life Expectancies

A 2022 report by the Centers for Disease Control found the average life expectancy in the US was 77.5 years. But the value varies across states.  Factors such as environment, diet, exercise, genetics, access to healthcare, and other lifestyle choices contribute to differences.

Using the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics 2021 report — the most recent CDC state data available — here are the five states with the longest life expectancies:

5 HIGHEST:

5. New Jersey

Life expectancy: 79.0 years

The “Garden State” has the fifth-longest life expectancy in the US, according to the CDC data.

In its 2023 American Community Survey one-year estimates, the Census Bureau said 92.8% of residents had health insurance compared with 92.1% of Americans nationally. The CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2022 also found that adults in New Jersey reported the second-lowest rates of depressive disorders.

The state was named the third-best state to live in by the personal-finance company WalletHub.  It compared US states in terms of affordability, economy, education and health, quality of life, and safety. 

4. New York

Life expectancy: 79.0 years

New York, which WalletHub ranked the ninth-best state to live in, also has a life expectancy of 79 years. Just 4.8% of residents are estimated to be without healthcare coverage. Adults in the state also reported some of the lowest levels of depressive disorders, at 17.8%.

3. Connecticut

Life expectancy: 79.2 years

The “Constitution State,” which was ranked the seventh happiest in the country, has the third-longest life expectancy in the US at 79.2 years. The Census Bureau estimated that 94.3% of residents had health insurance.

2. Massachusetts

Life expectancy: 79.6 years

Massachusetts has the second-longest life expectancy in the country. Only 2.6% of the population is estimated to lack healthcare coverage.  In addition, the American Lung Association reported that 10.4% of adults in the state smoked cigarettes.  Favorably compared with 11.6% of adults nationally.

WalletHub reported Massachusetts had the best state healthcare system in the country. As a result, the state has the lowest share of adults in fair or poor health.

1. Hawaii

 

Life expectancy: 79.9 years

Hawaii has the longest life expectancy in the country. WalletHub named it the happiest state in the US.  Hawaii enjoys this result thanks to its No. 1 ranking for its residents’ emotional and physical well-being.

In the state, 96.8% of residents are estimated to have health insurance.