New Yorkers lived longer in 2023 than the year before, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s newly released Annual Summary of Vital Statistics. The report shows that citywide life expectancy rose to 82.6 years, up 1.1 years from 2022, reflecting ongoing recovery from the worst health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the city’s broader public health efforts.
While the overall increase marks meaningful progress, the data highlight persistent racial disparities. Black New Yorkers had the lowest life expectancy of any group at 78.3 years, compared with 83.3 years among white New Yorkers. Life expectancy for Latino New Yorkers reached 82.8 years, while Asian and Pacific Islander New Yorkers had the highest life expectancy at 86.9 years. Health officials note that inequities that widened during the pandemic have narrowed somewhat, but the gap between groups remains larger than it was in 2019.
The 2023 Annual Summary is based on finalized data, offering a comprehensive view of the city’s health trends. The Health Department also released provisional figures for 2024 through its HealthyNYC initiative, showing that life expectancy reached 83.2 years last year, achieving a major public health milestone years ahead of schedule. Finalized 2024 data are expected in 2026…