Life expectancy at birth by state

For the report, CDC used 2021 final mortality statistics to prepare state-specific life tables. Population estimates were based on the Blend Base population estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau and 2021 Medicare data for people ages 66 to 99.

The methodology used to estimate complete life tables for the 50 states and Washington, D.C. in 2021 was the same as the methodology used to estimate the annual U.S. national life tables with some modifications. For example, some states with low to very small age-specific deaths in childhood may have required additional smoothing techniques.

Overall, Hawaii had the highest life expectancy in the United States in 2021 at 79.9 years. The state also ranked first for both male and female life expectancy at 77 years and 83.1 years, respectively.

In comparison, Mississippi had the lowest total life expectancy and the lowest male life expectancy at 70.9 years and 67.7 years, respectively. West Virginia had the lowest female life expectancy at 74.2 years. 

According to the report, Southern states were more likely to have lower life expectancies than other states. New Mexico, Ohio, and Alaska also had lower life expectancies. In comparison, Western and Northeastern states were more likely to have higher life expectancies. Utah and Minnesota also had higher life expectancies.

The difference in life expectancy between men and women in the United States was 5.8 years in 2021, with women living longer than men. The highest difference was 7.6 years in New Mexico, while the lowest difference was 3.9 years in Utah.

Between 2020 and 2021, life expectancy at birth decreased in 39 states while it increased in 11 states. The states with the greatest decreases in life expectancy were Alaska, West Virginia, New Mexico, Florida, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Tennessee. The states that saw increases in life expectancy were New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Nebraska.

Overall, life expectancy in the United States declined by 0.6 years between 2020 and 2021, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increases in unintentional injuries, particularly drug overdose deaths. (Fitzpatrick, Axios, 8/21; National Vital Statistics Reports, 8/21)

The healthcare industry is facing a looming challenge: an aging population with an ever-growing demand for care. Achieving equitable, sustainable care requires a shift in how we pay for and provide care to older adults. This report outlines five key insights from our senior care research and their implications for stakeholders across the industry. Understand the challenges and opportunities for providing care to older adults and how you can equip your organization to address the new landscape.