**New Report: Where Americans Live Shortest Lives**

Additional Coverage:

The County in Every U.S. State With the Shortest Life Expectancy (momswhothink.com)

Unpacking America’s Health Divide: Where Life Expectancy Lags

While the last century saw remarkable strides in American life expectancy, recent years have unveiled concerning setbacks. The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a significant blow, causing a sharp decline in lifespans between 2019 and 2021, a trend that is only now beginning a slow recovery. Even as the nation collectively regains some lost ground, a stark reality remains: certain communities continue to face significantly shorter lifespans than others.

Our analysis, drawing on data from County Health Rankings and Roadmaps, pinpoints the county in each state with the lowest average life expectancy. These areas frequently grapple with a confluence of health challenges, including elevated rates of smoking and obesity, coupled with limited access to essential healthcare services. These factors demonstrably contribute to poorer long-term health outcomes for residents.

Why This Matters

Average life expectancy at birth stands as a cornerstone public health indicator. For decades, the United States witnessed a consistent upward trajectory in this metric.

However, recent events, notably the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic rise in substance abuse deaths, have unfortunately reversed much of this progress. Although a rebound is underway, Americans are still not expected to live as long as they were in 2019.

More alarmingly, in many corners of the country, current life expectancy mirrors national averages from as far back as the mid-20th century, highlighting a persistent and growing health disparity.

Here’s a closer look at the counties in each state facing the lowest life expectancy, along with key contributing health and economic factors:

Alabama: Lowndes County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 67.6 years (73.3 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 49.6% (38.4% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 21.9% (16.2% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 11.6% (13.3% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 36.2% (27.8% statewide)
Median household income: $42,011 ($62,248 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 67

Alaska: Kusilvak Census Area

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 65.0 years (76.3 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 46.0% (32.3% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 38.3% (16.2% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 21.0% (15.2% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 40.3% (21.3% statewide)
Median household income: $42,029 ($88,696 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 23

Arizona: Apache County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 63.8 years (76.7 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 39.1% (33.5% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 27.1% (13.1% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 15.9% (14.4% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 31.6% (22.6% statewide)
Median household income: $43,121 ($77,158 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 15

Arkansas: Phillips County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 67.4 years (73.7 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 51.3% (37.9% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 24.9% (19.9% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 10.7% (11.9% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 41.6% (30.2% statewide)
Median household income: $37,338 ($58,748 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 75

California: Siskiyou County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 73.1 years (79.4 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 32.9% (28.3% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 15.9% (9.9% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 10.0% (9.1% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 21.6% (21.6% statewide)
Median household income: $58,975 ($95,473 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 57

Colorado: Baca County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 69.8 years (78.5 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 31.0% (25.0% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 20.5% (10.9% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 11.2% (9.6% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 24.4% (16.7% statewide)
Median household income: $47,421 ($92,790 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 59

Connecticut: Windham County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 77.2 years (79.2 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: N/A (30.7% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: N/A (10.3% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: N/A (7.2% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: N/A (22.5% statewide)
Median household income: N/A ($91,477 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 8

Delaware: Kent County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 75.1 years (76.8 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 39.3% (38.0% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 15.2% (13.8% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 9.1% (8.2% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 25.1% (22.7% statewide)
Median household income: $72,498 ($81,615 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 3

Florida: Union County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 67.9 years (78.1 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 42.5% (31.7% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 21.4% (12.0% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 13.2% (16.2% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 31.3% (23.5% statewide)
Median household income: $60,843 ($73,283 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 67

Georgia: Miller County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 67.3 years (75.6 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 41.7% (37.4% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 21.8% (12.8% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 16.6% (16.5% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 33.4% (23.2% statewide)
Median household income: $50,799 ($74,521 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 158

Hawaii: Hawaii County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 79.5 years (81.4 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 26.0% (27.0% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 13.8% (10.5% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 6.3% (4.8% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 19.3% (20.6% statewide)
Median household income: $73,092 ($96,716 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 4

Idaho: Lewis County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 73.4 years (78.0 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 36.2% (33.6% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 18.0% (12.4% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 13.7% (11.5% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 27.3% (21.0% statewide)
Median household income: $53,212 ($74,859 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 42

Illinois: Alexander County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 69.7 years (77.5 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 43.0% (33.0% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 22.9% (12.8% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 6.8% (9.4% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 30.9% (22.1% statewide)
Median household income: $45,550 ($80,346 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 102

Indiana: Scott County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 69.1 years (75.1 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 39.5% (38.4% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 23.2% (16.9% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 9.9% (9.4% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 32.8% (26.6% statewide)
Median household income: $62,584 ($69,458 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 92

Iowa: Webster County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 74.5 years (77.8 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 38.7% (37.8% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 14.9% (15.5% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 6.4% (6.1% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 24.0% (24.9% statewide)
Median household income: $63,557 ($71,662 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 99

Kansas: Kingman County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 61.0 years (76.4 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 40.7% (36.5% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 17.8% (15.1% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 12.3% (12.3% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 24.8% (22.6% statewide)
Median household income: $54,731 ($70,316 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 102

Kentucky: Owsley County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 64.5 years (73.3 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 41.2% (38.1% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 25.6% (17.6% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 7.4% (7.6% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 31.8% (25.1% statewide)
Median household income: $35,000 ($61,099 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 120

Louisiana: Morehouse Parish

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 68.2 years (73.3 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 44.7% (40.3% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 25.9% (17.1% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 9.8% (10.2% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 38.3% (27.5% statewide)
Median household income: $37,255 ($58,273 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 64

Maine: Washington County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 72.3 years (77.2 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 37.7% (33.4% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 18.6% (16.0% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 13.7% (9.6% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 26.8% (20.7% statewide)
Median household income: $48,104 ($73,463 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 16

Maryland: Baltimore (independent city)

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 70.6 years (77.8 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 38.5% (33.5% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 16.6% (9.8% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 7.5% (7.9% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 27.2% (20.5% statewide)
Median household income: $58,616 ($98,568 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 24

Massachusetts: Hampden County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 76.3 years (79.7 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 35.9% (27.1% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 17.3% (10.7% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 3.8% (3.3% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 31.1% (20.6% statewide)
Median household income: $67,155 ($99,750 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 14

Michigan: Oscoda County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 72.8 years (76.2 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 36.9% (34.6% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 19.7% (16.0% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 11.1% (6.6% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 25.1% (22.8% statewide)
Median household income: $49,622 ($69,097 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 83

Minnesota: Mahnomen County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 68.5 years (79.3 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 44.3% (33.6% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 26.2% (13.4% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 10.2% (6.2% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 29.7% (19.9% statewide)
Median household income: $54,177 ($85,070 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 87

Mississippi: Coahoma County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 65.3 years (71.9 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 48.4% (40.1% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 24.0% (18.1% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 18.9% (16.1% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 41.5% (30.9% statewide)
Median household income: $35,552 ($54,386 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 81

Missouri: Pemiscot County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 65.6 years (75.2 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 43.8% (36.7% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 26.0% (17.8% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 14.4% (12.0% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 34.4% (24.2% statewide)
Median household income: $42,080 ($68,484 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 115

Montana: Roosevelt County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 60.4 years (76.9 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 40.6% (30.8% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 28.5% (16.0% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 16.3% (11.8% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 30.3% (18.5% statewide)
Median household income: $51,596 ($70,939 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 48

Nebraska: Thurston County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 63.2 years (78.1 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 48.8% (35.6% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 24.1% (13.6% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 10.5% (9.2% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 31.6% (24.1% statewide)
Median household income: $57,810 ($74,727 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 78

Nevada: Mineral County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 68.4 years (76.4 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 35.0% (33.9% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 20.7% (14.9% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 12.1% (15.3% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 28.0% (25.7% statewide)
Median household income: $58,039 ($76,332 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 16

New Hampshire: Coos County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 73.9 years (78.9 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 35.9% (30.0% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 17.5% (11.5% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 8.7% (7.0% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 22.0% (19.0% statewide)
Median household income: $59,592 ($97,031 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 10

New Jersey: Cumberland County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 73.7 years (79.0 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 36.8% (29.0% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 16.9% (10.7% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 13.0% (9.5% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 28.0% (22.8% statewide)
Median household income: $64,240 ($99,716 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 21

New Mexico: McKinley County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 63.9 years (74.4 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 37.4% (33.4% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 31.1% (15.5% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 18.2% (13.0% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 31.6% (23.9% statewide)
Median household income: $41,427 ($62,286 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 32

New York: Cattaraugus County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 74.5 years (79.4 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 36.5% (30.3% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 18.7% (11.5% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 7.7% (6.8% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 26.4% (25.1% statewide)
Median household income: $55,944 ($82,052 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 62

North Carolina: Swain County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 67.3 years (75.9 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 36.8% (34.2% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 21.3% (14.9% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 23.6% (13.5% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 27.0% (22.7% statewide)
Median household income: $54,357 ($70,838 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 100

North Dakota: Sioux County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 59.6 years (77.8 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 49.4% (36.2% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 36.8% (15.8% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 9.3% (8.0% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 43.0% (23.6% statewide)
Median household income: $46,931 ($77,346 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 50

Ohio: Vinton County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 67.6 years (75.2 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 41.2% (38.4% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 26.5% (17.7% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 10.0% (8.1% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 32.5% (24.0% statewide)
Median household income: $52,999 ($67,873 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 88

Oklahoma: McCurtain County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 68.2 years (73.7 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 45.1% (40.6% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 23.9% (16.0% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 20.9% (17.1% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 37.9% (28.6% statewide)
Median household income: $48,589 ($62,120 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 77

Oregon: Klamath County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 73.3 years (78.0 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 38.4% (31.1% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 17.2% (12.8% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 11.0% (8.8% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 23.3% (18.5% statewide)
Median household income: $54,630 ($80,061 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 35

Pennsylvania: Forest County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 70.9 years (76.9 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 40.4% (32.9% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 22.4% (15.6% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 8.8% (7.0% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 29.0% (20.8% statewide)
Median household income: $48,084 ($73,826 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 67

Rhode Island: Kent County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 78.2 years (78.9 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 32.9% (30.9% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 13.5% (12.3% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 4.6% (6.1% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 20.6% (23.4% statewide)
Median household income: $89,914 ($83,518 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 5

South Carolina: Dillon County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 67.2 years (74.7 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 42.3% (35.5% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 28.2% (16.2% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 17.1% (13.4% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 38.6% (25.0% statewide)
Median household income: $45,269 ($67,988 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 46

South Dakota: Buffalo County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 54.0 years (76.8 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 44.4% (37.2% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 35.2% (14.6% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 18.1% (11.5% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 37.8% (22.3% statewide)
Median household income: $32,803 ($72,794 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 61

Tennessee: Cocke County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 68.0 years (73.5 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 41.5% (39.1% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 25.0% (19.2% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 15.4% (13.2% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 33.9% (26.5% statewide)
Median household income: $47,491 ($67,651 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 95

Texas: Red River County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 68.2 years (76.7 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 39.9% (35.7% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 20.6% (12.0% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 21.2% (22.3% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 30.4% (25.3% statewide)
Median household income: $49,265 ($75,778 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 236

Utah: Carbon County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 72.8 years (78.8 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 35.0% (31.8% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 13.9% (6.9% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 10.8% (10.7% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 23.3% (17.1% statewide)
Median household income: $59,838 ($93,030 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 27

Vermont: Orleans County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 76.2 years (78.7 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 32.9% (26.9% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 16.3% (13.7% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 6.5% (5.8% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 21.9% (18.5% statewide)
Median household income: $59,906 ($80,626 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 14

Virginia: Petersburg (independent city)

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 64.3 years (77.6 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 46.5% (35.4% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 18.4% (12.3% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 8.9% (8.7% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 29.2% (20.2% statewide)
Median household income: $46,216 ($89,864 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 133

Washington: Pend Oreille County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 72.9 years (78.8 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 32.8% (31.6% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 13.9% (10.1% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 9.4% (8.8% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 18.4% (17.1% statewide)
Median household income: $63,611 ($94,553 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 39

West Virginia: McDowell County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 65.1 years (72.1 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 44.3% (41.5% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 28.1% (22.3% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 13.0% (9.1% statewide)

Adults not exercising regularly: 38.6% (27.9% statewide)
Median household income: $35,161 ($55,875 statewide)

Number of counties or county equivalents considered in state: 55

Wisconsin: Menominee County

Avg. life expectancy at birth: 63.0 years (77.8 years statewide)
Adult obesity rate: 43.4% (38.1% statewide)

Adult smoking rate: 27.1% (15.0% statewide)
Adult uninsured rate: 5.4% (7.0