Have you ever wondered where in the United States people live the longest? While the United States lags behind some developed nations like Switzerland and Japan in overall life expectancy, certain regions within the country exhibit exceptional longevity.
In 2022, the average life expectancy at birth for the total U.S. population was 77.5 years, according to the CDC. Despite this national average, significant variations exist across different regions of the country.
Exercise, healthy eating, access to quality healthcare, and lifestyle choices are crucial in determining longevity. Beyond diet and exercise, your environment significantly affects your overall health and longevity.
According to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, "where you live has a big impact on your health." Factors such as air pollution, noise levels, and access to public parks can all influence your well-being.
Women consistently outlive men in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with an average life expectancy of 81.2 years for women and 76.2 years for men. Additionally, wealthier Americans generally live longer than those in lower socioeconomic groups.
Living in a walkable neighborhood can significantly reduce your risk of obesity and type II diabetes. By choosing to walk instead of driving, you increase your physical activity and reduce your carbon footprint.
While the West Coast dominates the list of states with the highest life expectancy, the Northeast also boasts several regions with exceptional health outcomes. Here are the cities in the US with the highest life expectancy in 2024, some of which are unsurprisingly among the healthiest places to live in America.
In this article, life expectancy refers to the age at which individuals are projected to live when born.
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8 Portland, Oregon
Life Expectancy: 80.7 years
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Portland, Oregon, is a popular vacation spot, but it also stands out as a city where residents enjoy an exceptionally high life expectancy. Its original name was Stump Town because of the numerous trees that had to be taken down to allow for its expansion.
Beyond its natural beauty, Portland's commitment to walkability -- thanks to pedestrian-friendly urban design -- promotes not only physical health but also a sense of community. Major players like Nike, Adidas, Under Armor, Keen, and Columbia call this city home.
Plus, if you're in tech, Intel and Daimler have significant bases here. The employment stability these companies provide and access to healthcare resources plays a role in extending life expectancy.
Portland exudes a laid-back, millennial-friendly vibe. It's a city where khakis reign supreme -- even in the office. Why? Because Portlanders are all about outdoor recreation. Hiking, biking, kayaking, or exploring the city's green spaces encourages a healthy lifestyle. Also, the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty is just a stone's throw away.
The city's healthcare system is robust, with renowned institutions like Oregon Health & Science University and Providence Health & Services. Access to regular medical care, preventive services, and mental health resources plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes and extending life expectancy.
Yes, Portland faces challenges such as homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues, and addressing these factors is a top priority for the city leadership.
Population:
652,503
Median Household Income:
$86,057
Employment:
67.9%
People without Health Care Coverage:
4.7%
7 Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
Life Expectancy: 81.6 years
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In the national rankings of 2020, Minnesota secured a close second place, showcasing an impressive history of high life expectancy. Notably, it stood alongside Hawaii as one of only two states where life expectancy at birth exceeded 81 years back in 2010.
Recent data from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics reveals that Minnesotans born in 2019 can anticipate an average lifespan of 80.4 years.
Healthcare plays a pivotal role in this longevity. As of 2021, Minneapolis boasts an enviable low uninsured rate -- just 4.46%. Jan Malcolm, Minnesota's health commissioner, aptly summed it up: "Minnesota has a lot to be proud of in terms of public health, but there's also work to be done".
Beyond healthcare, Minneapolis shines as a city designed for movement. Walking, biking, and easy access to parks are woven into its urban fabric. And when it comes to park access, Minneapolis and its twin city, St. Paul, lead the way.
The Trust for Public Land's 2024 rankings confirm this; these cities were built around their park systems, not the other way around. Jayne Miller, superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, attests to this commitment.
Remarkably, nearly 99 percent of residents in both cities live within a ten-minute walk of a park. It's no wonder that obesity rates remain impressively low. Sophie Harris Vorhoff, the Minnesota state director of the Trust for Public Land, emphasizes the importance of outdoor access:
"Being close to nature is a fundamental human need. Minneapolis and St. Paul residents recognize the benefits these green spaces provide".
Population:
429,954
Median Household Income:
$81,001
Employment:
71.9%
People without Health Care Coverage:
4.7%
6 Seattle, Washington
Life Expectancy: 82 years
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Seattle, Washington, is notable for having an exceptional 82-year life expectancy for its residents. Now, about that life expectancy: according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Washington State boasts one of the longest life expectancies in the entire nation.
Seattle's nickname, "Emerald City," is well-deserved. With over 485 parks within the city limits, the city is draped in greenery year-round -- whether it's the towering Douglas firs, the moss-covered rocks in parks, or the ivy creeping up historic buildings. It's like Mother Nature decided to throw a perpetual garden party here.
For a more adventurous excursion, take a day trip to Mount Rainier, the majestic sentinel that keeps watch over Seattle. Enjoy breathtaking views and challenging hikes in this iconic national park.
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll appreciate that hiking trails abound -- right within Seattle's city limits! Imagine starting your day with a brisk hike, surrounded by lush foliage and crisp mountain air.
The reason people may live long, satisfying lives is largely due to its emphasis on community engagement, accessibility to healthcare, and affordability, even though the city may not be without stress or crime.
Population:
737,015
Median Household Income:
$120,608
Employment:
72.0%
People without Health Care Coverage:
4.3%
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5 Austin, Texas
Life Expectancy: 82.8 years
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Austin, Texas -- the state's capital -- radiates a unique blend of Southern hospitality and vibrant city life. While it's famous as the "live music capital of the world," there's much more beneath the surface.
Austin is one of the ten "most educated" cities in the United States, according to Forbes, and current research shows that its residents enjoy an impressive average lifespan.
The University of Texas at Austin, along with other esteemed institutions, contributes significantly to the city's intellectual and economic vitality. An informed population is often associated with better health outcomes, and Austin's educational landscape undoubtedly plays a role in its residents' exceptional longevity of 82.8 years.
But Austin isn't just about history and education. It's also a thriving hub for startups, where innovation and entrepreneurship flourish. Over the last ten years, the local economy has grown remarkably, creating more jobs than even the largest metro areas.
U.S. News has consistently ranked Austin as the top city in America for the past three years, highlighting its exceptional quality of life. The city offers a diverse range of attractions, including delicious food, abundant job opportunities, stunning natural escapes, and a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles.
As one of the ten healthiest cities in the U.S., Austin encourages active lifestyles. Residents here have easy access to healthy foods and engage in regular physical activity. For perspective, a child born in Austin today could live well into the year 2103.
Population:
961,855
Median Household Income:
$91,501
Employment:
72.6%
People without Health Care Coverage:
11.1%
4 San Francisco, California
Life Expectancy: 83.6 years
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San Francisco, which is located on the coast of California to the west, has one of the highest life expectancies in the country. Its residents can expect to live close to 83 years, with Asian residents even surpassing this average.
The multitude of parks, hiking trails, and open areas in San Francisco encourage people to enjoy active lifestyles. Being one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in America, seeing all the famous monuments and landmarks in San Francisco, like the Golden Gate Bridge, is a delight.
Although maintaining one's health is ultimately up to each individual, there are many healthy dining options available here, such as fresh vegetables, seafood, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Add that to San Francisco's commitment to accessible natural spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, which encourages physical activity and reduces reliance on cars. They surpass other major U.S. cities in per capita spending on these infrastructures.
Californians have lower rates of obesity and smoking compared to the national average, contributing to improved health outcomes. While San Francisco has a relatively high percentage of uninsured residents, significant healthcare improvements in the late 1990s, particularly for HIV-positive individuals, have positively impacted life expectancy.
Population:
873,965
Median Household Income:
$126,730
Employment:
65.9%
People without Health Care Coverage:
3.2%
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3 San Jose, California
Life Expectancy: 84.3 years
An aerial view of downtown San Jose, California
Another Californian gem that deserves attention is San Jose. People consider San Jose to be the Hub of Silicon Valley, the birthplace of much of the technology that has revolutionized the world.
A few of the companies that call this region home include Apple, Adobe, eBay, Intel, Western Digital, Netflix, and Google. Visitors travel here all the time to see Apple on the Apple campuses or to see Facebook and the Facebook campuses.
At $136,229 per year, San Jose's average household income is rather high. As a result, at 9%, the poverty rate is far lower than the national average.
San Jose is notable for having an exceptional life expectancy of 84.3 years due to good living conditions and communal features that enhance general well-being. San Jose has a denser population than the average and a lively, dynamic metropolitan environment.
The weather and the fact that most people in Silicon Valley, San Jose, enjoy being outside are two important factors in the area's success. A fun activity would be to drive to a different scene nearby to hike, bike, or even ride horses.
There are so many different things that visitors can do. There's great golfing around in San Jose and the surrounding areas, as well as swimming and pickleball clubs.
The Golden State's residents have some impressive health stats: they're among the least likely Americans to be obese or smoke. Just 12.5% of adults in California were smokers last year, and only 24.1% were considered obese. But that's not all -- California also topped the charts for healthcare spending in 2020, with a whopping total cost of nearly 4 billion.
Population:
1,013,240
Median Household Income:
$136,229
Employment:
65.3%
People without Health Care Coverage:
4.9%
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2 Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
Life Expectancy: 84.3
Honolulu, HI
Hawaii's tropical paradise, Honolulu, which ranks first on the list of states with the highest average lifespan, is not just for holidaymakers. Those born in Urban Honolulu have even longer estimated life spans than the state average.
Its subtropical environment, availability of fresh seafood and other delicious dishes in Honolulu, and active outdoor lifestyle help its citizens live longer lives. What also distinguishes Honolulu is that it has far cleaner air and water than the majority of the country, as well as an abundance of sunshine and the opportunity to spend time outdoors all year.
According to representatives of the American Lung Association, this success can be attributed to the island's trade winds as well as the growing number of people choosing to drive electric vehicles.
When it comes to the top states for healthcare, Hawaii is constantly ranked first. Although The Queen's Medical Center in Honolulu was named the top hospital in Hawaii, it is their access to health insurance that truly contributes to their overall well-being. The Prepaid Health Care Act assures that most employees receive health insurance from their employers, even those that work just 20 hours.
Urban Honolulu residents also benefit from a large healthy population, low smoking rates, and a comparatively low obesity rate of 25%, which is among the lowest in the country.
Interestingly, according to the Wall Street Journal, the island state has the lowest preventable hospitalization rate in the US, with only 28.2 per 1,000 Medicare recipients.
Population:
350,964
Median Household Income:
$84,907
Employment:
61.2%
People without Health Care Coverage:
3.4%
1 Salem, Oregon
Life Expectancy: 85.9 years
Salem, Oregon, OR, USA
Situated in the center of the Willamette Valley, Salem, Oregon, is well-known for its verdant surroundings, copious parks, and an intricate network of urban trails that meander gently beside the lovely Willamette River.
"Where you can play," which is Salem's tagline, encapsulates the vibe of a community that promotes outdoor discovery. The chance to spend time in nature is something that the locals savor, whether they are bicycling, hiking, or just meandering around the green areas.
Salem is unique in that its citizens live exceptionally long lives. Perhaps it's endorphins and fresh air together -- nature's magic potion for longevity.
Salem's population density, which is 60% greater than the national average, fosters a rich web of interpersonal relationships. Residents have more options for social interactions, recreational sports, and group fitness activities when there are more people living in a square mile. Picture spontaneous yoga poses in the park, pick-up soccer matches, and amicable nods during early morning runs.
Parks and green spaces are not only visually appealing; they are also necessary for good health. These green spaces in Salem provide respite for stressed-out people. Families utilize them for picnics, artists for inspiration, and joggers to get their regular vitamin D. And as stress subsides, so do health hazards.
Population:
175,535
Median Household Income:
$72,827
Employment:
61.1%
People without Health Care Coverage:
8.0%