Shocking study maps unhealthiest cities in the US – The US Sun
So Much is Made of Life Expectancy
The United States spans nearly 2,800 miles from the East Coast to the West, leaving space for many different areas and regions throughout the country. Within those regions lie cities with varied life expectancy rates.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the average life expectancy in the U.S. as a whole was 76.4 in 2021. This was a drop for both males and females for the second year in a row, leading people to wonder which cities have the highest and lowest life expectancy rates.
Our list begins with Enid, Oklahoma, where the average life expectancy is 74.99. The city with the lowest life expectancy is Beckley, West Virginia where the average life expectancy is only 71.93. Many factors were taken into consideration when determining life expectancy including county health rankings for smoking, physical activity and average sleep.
While many of the cities on this list are located in metropolitan areas, that doesn’t necessarily mean that all metropolitan cities have low life expectancy rates. MoneyGeek reports that some of the healthiest cities with the longest life expectancy rates include the Bridgeport/Stamford/Norwalk area of Connecticut. This is closely followed by the Bay Area in California.
Regardless of where you live, there are many things you can do to maintain a healthy lifestyle. NIH News in Health suggests daily movement, a healthy diet and refraining from smoking to extend one’s life expectancy.
To determine the cities where people have the shortest life expectancy, 24/7 Tempo reviewed 2023 county-level life expectancy at birth figures from the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a collaboration between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. To obtain metro area life expectancy estimates, we mapped each metro area to its corresponding county. We included US cities where the life expectancy was lower than 75 years. (For more health-related reading, check out a few warning signs that your health is bad .)
Here is the list of the US cities with the shortest life expectancy.
The US Cities With the Worst Life Expectancy – NewsBreak
ALABAMA MALE LIFE EXPECTANCY BY COUNTY
Based on our criteria mentioned above and methodology outlined below, these are the worst cities for healthy living in the U.S.
- Las Vegas, Nevada 76.6
- Birmingham, Alabama 74.6
- Memphis, Tennessee 75.5
- Columbus, Ohio 75.2
- Phoenix, Arizona 71.0
- Kansas City, Missouri 77.0
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 72.7
- Orlando, Florida 77.5
- Detroit, Michigan 77.5
- Charlotte, North Carolina 76.6
- Cincinnati, Ohio 75.3
- Cleveland, Ohio 75.3
- Nashville, Tennessee 77.0
- Atlanta, Georgia 78.6
- New Orleans, Louisiana 76.6
- Houston, Texas 78.9
- St. Louis, Missouri 76.3
- Virginia Beach, Virginia 81.0
- Louisville, Kentucky 74.8
- Jacksonville, Florida 76.0
- Richmond, Virginia 78.3
- Riverside, California 77.3
- Dallas, Texas 78.3
- San Antonio, Texas 78.6
- Austin, Texas 81.9
Note: Based on data collected in May 2024.
Note: Life expectancy in Phoenix, Arizona varies significantly depending on the neighborhood, reflecting broader social and economic disparities:
South Phoenix (ZIP code 85004): Average life expectancy is around 71 years.
Scottsdale (ZIP code 85258): Just 12 miles away, the average life expectancy jumps to 85 years.
These differences are shaped by access to healthcare, nutritious food, safe housing, and clean environments. For example, neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores and safe outdoor spaces tend to have lower life expectancy due to poor nutrition and reduced physical activity.
The life expectancy in Oklahoma City varies significantly across different neighborhoods. According to the Oklahoma City-county Health Department, residents in the 73131 ZIP code have a life expectancy of 82 years,
While those in the 73141 ZIP code live for an average of less than 68 years.
This stark difference highlights the impact of various social, economic,
and environmental factors on health outcomes within the city.
Oklahoma City’s life expectancy reflects broader trends across the state of Oklahoma, which ranks among the lowest in the U.S. According to recent CDC data, the average life expectancy in Oklahoma is approximately 72.7 years, placing it eighth from the bottom nationally.
Several factors contribute to this lower life expectancy:
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Oklahoma.
Rising use of synthetic opioids like fentanyl has also impacted longevity.
Socioeconomic challenges—such as high poverty rates, limited access to healthcare, and low education rankings—play a significant role.
Oklahoma ranks 50th in education and 46th in child well-being, which are key indicators tied to long-term health outcomes.
If you’re curious about how Oklahoma City compares to other cities or want to explore health initiatives aimed at improving these numbers, I’d be happy to dive deeper.The life expectancy in Detroit, MI varies significantly by neighborhood. In some inner-city areas, the average life expectancy is as low as 62 years, while in suburban areas, it can reach up to 90 years. Overall, this disparity highlights the differences in health outcomes across different regions within the city. Detroit Data Center | Life Expectancy by RaceUnderstanding social determinants of health in Detroit – Planet Detroit
Life Expectancy in Cleveland, Ohio
Life expectancy in Cleveland varies significantly by neighborhood, reflecting deep-rooted disparities in income, education, housing, and access to healthcare:
- In zip code 44103 (St. Clair-Superior area), the average life expectancy is around 70 years.
- Just a short drive away in zip code 44124 (Lyndhurst), it rises to about 82 years—a 12-year difference.
These gaps are shaped by factors like:
- Access to healthy food and safe housing
- Opportunities for physical activity
- Exposure to pollution and environmental hazards
- Quality of schools and job availability
- Access to healthcare and public transportation
In general, Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland, has a lower life expectancy than the national average. The disparities are especially pronounced in neighborhoods with higher poverty rates and larger Black populations.
In Nashville, Tennessee—specifically Davidson County—the average life expectancy is approximately 77 years, which is slightly above the state average of 75 years.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Men in Tennessee: Average life expectancy is about 71 years
Women in Tennessee: Average life expectancy is around 77 years- Davidson County (Nashville): Ranked #13 among Tennessee counties for longest life expectancy
Life expectancy in Tennessee is influenced by factors like income, education, smoking rates, opioid addiction, obesity, and access to healthcare. Nashville benefits from better healthcare infrastructure compared to more rural counties, which helps boost its numbers. If you’re curious about how Nashville compares to other cities or want tips on improving longevity, I’d be happy to dive deeper
- In Atlanta, life expectancy can drop from 63.6 years in low-income areas to 87.2 years in affluent neighborhoods.
- Overall, Georgia’s life expectancy is 77.4 years, with metro Atlanta
- – residents typically living longer than the national average.
These variations are influenced by factors such as access to healthcare, - socioeconomic status, and environmental conditions.
Life expectancy in Atlanta, Georgia varies by county and demographic factors, but here’s a general overview:
- Metro Atlanta Counties: Residents in county’s like Gwinnett, Cobb, and DeKalb tend to live 2–3 years longer than the national average, which was around 78.6 years as of the most recent CDC data.
- Fulton County (includes much of Atlanta): Life expectancy here is slightly below the state average, influenced by factors such as access to healthcare, socioeconomic disparities, and chronic disease prevalence.
- Statewide Average: Georgia’s overall life expectancy is approximately 77.4 years, which is below the national average.
If you’re curious about specific neighborhoods or want to explore factors that influence life expectancy in Atlanta—like healthcare access, income, or education—I’d be happy to dive deeper.
The average life expectancy in New Orleans is 76.6 years, which is slightly higher than the national average of 78.7 years. This figure reflects significant disparities across neighborhoods, with some areas having life expectancies as low as 62 years and others as high as 88 years. Factors such as socioeconomic status and health disparities contribute to these variations, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions to improve life expectancy in the region.
Across Houston Texas, the average life expectancy is 78.9 years. But the researchers found it ranges from 69.8 years in the 77026 ZIP code, which encompasses Kashmere Gardens, to 89.7 years in the 77073 ZIP code, which includes an area along the Interstate 45 corridor, north of Greenspoint Mall.
In St. Louis, Missouri, life expectancy varies significantly depending on the specific area:
- City of St. Louis: The average life expectancy is 71.5 years, which is notably below the national average of 77.5 years.
St. Louis County (which surrounds the city): Life expectancy is higher at 76.3 years.- St. Charles County, part of the greater metro area, leads with 79.1 years, reflecting better health outcomes in suburban areas.
These differences highlight disparities in access to healthcare, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental factors. Neighborhood-level data within the city also reveals deep inequities tied to poverty and systemic barriers.
If you’re curious about how specific neighborhoods compare or want to explore what’s being done to improve public health in St. Louis, I can dig deeper.
Where you live could help determine how long you live | 13newsnow.com
In Virginia Beach, Virginia, the average life expectancy is approximately 81 years, which is notably higher than the national average of around 77 years. This figure reflects relatively strong public health outcomes for the city, influenced by factors such as access to healthcare, safe housing, nutritious food, and clean environments
However, it’s important to note that life expectancy can vary significantly between neighborhoods due to disparities in income, education, and environmental conditions. For example, nearby cities in the Hampton Roads region show a wide range—from 88 years in Williamsburg to 74 years in Portsmouth, highlighting how much “place matters” when it comes to health outcomes. Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA – Life Expectancy at Birth
Louisville’s Life Expectancy Overview
As of the most recent analysis covering 2017–2021, the average life expectancy in Louisville, Kentucky is 74.8 years, down from 76.8 years in the previous 2011–2015 report.
Key Findings:
- West End communities show the lowest life expectancy, dipping as low as 65.4 years.
- East Louisville fares much better, with life expectancy reaching up to 80.8 years.
- Black men in Louisville have the lowest life expectancy among all demographic groups.
- Hispanic residents average the highest life expectancy at 86.5 years, followed by females at 78 years and males at 71.7 years.
Leading Causes of Death:
- Heart disease and cancer are the top contributors across Jefferson County.
- The decline is also linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, opioid overdoses, and systemic inequities in healthcare access.
If you’re curious about how your neighborhood compares or want to explore the city’s health equity dashboard, I can help you dive deeper into that data.
In Jacksonville, Florida (Duval County), the estimated average life expectancy is approximately 76 years. This figure aligns closely with the national average, which was 76.4 years in 2021. However, life expectancy can vary significantly across neighborhoods due to factors like income, access to healthcare, education, and environmental conditions.
If you’re curious about how specific areas within Jacksonville compare or want to explore what contributes to these differences, I can dig deeper.
Would you like to see a breakdown by ZIP code or learn about health initiatives in the area? Community Dashboard – Census Tract Map | CHARTS
In Richmond, Virginia, life expectancy varies significantly by location. According to a VCU study, residents in different neighborhoods can experience a 20-year difference in life expectancy. For instance, Westover Hills recorded the highest average life expectancy at 83 years, while areas like Gilpin Court had a life expectancy of just 63 years. This disparity is attributed to various factors, including access to healthcare, pollution, and socioeconomic conditions.
Life expectancy in Richmond, Virginia shows stark disparities depending on where you live. According to a study by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), In Richmond, life expectancy can vary by up to 20 years
Westover Hills: Residents here enjoy the highest life expectancy in Richmond, averaging 83 years.
Gilpin Court: Just 4.5 miles away, life expectancy drops to 63 years.-
Counties With the Longest Life Expectancy in Virginia | Stacker
Why the Gap?
- Access to healthcare: Neighborhoods with better access to clinics, screenings, and pharmacies tend to have longer life expectancies.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to pollution, violence, and lack of green space can negatively impact health.
- Socioeconomic conditions: Income, education, and job opportunities play a major role in shaping health outcomes.
- Food and exercise: Availability of healthy food and safe places to exercise also contributes to the disparity.
These differences are driven by factors like access to healthcare, exposure to violence or pollution, availability of healthy food, and socioeconomic conditions.
Statewide, the 2025 Health Metrics Annual Report revealed a 25-year gap in life expectancy across Virginia, with Manassas Park at the high end and Petersburg at the low end (64.3 years). The report also noted that regions with already low life expectancy saw sharper declines in recent years, influenced by COVID-19 deaths, drug overdoses, and chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes Center on Society and Health
In Riverside County, California, the average life expectancy is approximately 80 years, which aligns closely with the statewide average for California. Life expectancy can vary within the county depending on socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and environmental conditions. Health Concerns in Riverside, California – GeoStat.org
If you’re curious about how Riverside compares to other counties or want insights into specific neighborhoods or demographics, I can dig deeper. Just let me know!
Life expectancy in Dallas, Texas varies significantly depending on ZIP code, race, gender, and socioeconomic factors. Here’s a breakdown:
Overall Life Expectancy
- Dallas County average: 78.3 years
- Texas state average: 78.5 years
ZIP Code Variation in Dallas
- Lowest life expectancy: 67.6 years in ZIP code 75215 (South Dallas)
- Highest life expectancy: 90.3 years in ZIP code 75204 (Uptown Dallas)
Demographic Differences
- Women live on average 5.2 years longer than men.
- Hispanic residents have the highest life expectancy (81.2 years), followed by white residents (78.1 years), and Black residents (75.3 years).
Poverty Impact
- Residents in areas with <5% poverty live an average of 82.4 years.
- Those in areas with >20% poverty live an average of 76.4 years.
If you’re curious about your specific ZIP code or want to explore the interactive map, you can check out Texas Life Expectancy by Census Tract | City of Dallas GIS Services or New interactive map first to show life expectancy of Texans by ZIP code, race, and gender: Newsroom, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas. Let me know if you’d like help interpreting a specific area or comparing with other cities!
Life expectancy in San Antonio varies significantly depending on the ZIP code, with disparities of up to 18 years between neighborhoods. Here’s a snapshot:
Life Expectancy by ZIP Code in San Antonio
- 78254 (Northwest San Antonio):
- Overall: 89.2 years
- Women: ~93 years
- Men: ~84 years
- 78202 (East San Antonio):
- Overall: Just over 71 years
- Women: ~75.6 years
- Men: ~67 years
Key Factors Influencing Longevity
- Access to healthcare: Limited in disadvantaged areas.
- Neighborhood safety: Affects ability to exercise and maintain health.
- Stress levels: Chronic stress contributes to poorer health outcomes.
- Nutrition and lifestyle: Clean eating and regular activity are more common in higher-income areas.
How long will you live? The secret’s in your San Antonio zip code | kens5.com
In Austin, Texas, life expectancy varies significantly depending on ZIP code, socioeconomic status, and other demographic factors. Here’s a snapshot:
Overall Life Expectancy in Austin
- Average life expectancy in Texas: 78.5 years
- Austin/Travis County: Generally aligns with or slightly exceeds the state average due to higher education levels and access to healthcare
ZIP Code Variation
- Highest life expectancy near Austin: ZIP code 78634 (Hutto) — 97.0 years
- 2023 Austin Texas Critical Health Indicators Report Updated.pdf
- Lowest nearby: ZIP code 76104 (Fort Worth) — 66.7 years
Demographic Insights
- Women live longer: On average, 5.2 years more than men
- Hispanic residents: Life expectancy is 3 years longer than white residents and nearly 6 years longer than Black residents
- Poverty impact: ZIP codes with <5% poverty average 82.4 years; those with >20% poverty average 76.4 years
If you’re curious about your specific ZIP code or want to explore the interactive life expectancy map for Texas, you can check it out on UT Southwestern’s mapping tool. Let me know if you’d like help interpreting it or comparing Austin to other cities!
Life expectancy in Austin, Texas varies significantly by ZIP code, race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Here’s a snapshot based on recent data:
Overall Life Expectancy in Texas
- Statewide average: 78.5 years
- Women: 81.1 years
- Men: 75.9 years
- Hispanics: 81.2 years
- Whites: 78.1 years
- Blacks: 75.3 years
Austin Area Highlights
- In ZIP codes near Austin, life expectancy can be as high as 97.0 years (e.g., 78634 in Hutto)
- ZIP codes with higher poverty levels tend to have lower life expectancy. For example:
- ZIPs with <5% poverty: 82.4 years
- ZIPs with >20% poverty: 76.4 years
This dramatic variation shows how deeply health outcomes are tied to geography, income, and demographics—even within the same city.
If you’re curious about your specific ZIP code or want to explore the interactive map, I can guide you to it. Want to dive deeper?