Top 10 States in the U.S. Where Seniors Live the Longest

In recent years, American life expectancy has faced a decline, marking the largest two-year drop since the early 20th century. The average life span, currently at 76.1 years, reached its lowest point since 1996. A myriad of factors influence life expectancy, encompassing genetics, air quality, and economic prospects. Where do seniors live the longest?

Leveraging insights from the 2023 County Health Rankings, we’ve unveiled the top 10 states where residents live the longest. These rankings derive from data spanning 2018 to 2020, sourced from the National Center for Health Statistics. Key demographics regarding senior populations and healthcare rankings stem from the 2021 U.S. Census American Community Survey and the 2023 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report, respectively.

#10. Oregon

• Average life expectancy: 79.7
• Total seniors in the state: 789,896 (18.6% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #29

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 72.8
• Breakdown by sex: 46.1% male, 53.9% female
• Breakdown by race: 88.2% White, 1.0% Black or African American, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 3.0% Asian, 0.6% Native American or Alaska Native

#9. Florida

• Average life expectancy: 79.7
• Total seniors in the state: 4,598,996 (21.1% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #38

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 73.9
• Breakdown by sex: 45.5% male, 54.5% female
• Breakdown by race: 73.7% White, 8.9% Black or African American, 16.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Asian, 0.1% Native American or Alaska Native

#8. Colorado

• Average life expectancy: 80.0
• Total seniors in the state: 880,167 (15.1% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #9

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 72.5
• Breakdown by sex: 46.5% male, 53.5% female
• Breakdown by race: 83.6% White, 2.7% Black or African American, 10.9% Hispanic or Latino, 2.3% Asian, 0.7% Native American or Alaska Native

#7. Connecticut

• Average life expectancy: 80.1
• Total seniors in the state: 649,172 (18.0% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #3

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 73.4
• Breakdown by sex: 44.5% male, 55.5% female
• Breakdown by race: 82.5% White, 6.7% Black or African American, 7.1% Hispanic or Latino, 2.6% Asian, 0.1% Native American or Alaska Native

#6. Massachusetts

• Average life expectancy: 80.2
• Total seniors in the state: 1,216,447 (17.4% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #2

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 73.2
• Breakdown by sex: 44.2% male, 55.8% female
• Breakdown by race: 84.5% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 4.2% Asian, 0.2% Native American or Alaska Native

#5. Washington

• Average life expectancy: 80.2
• Total seniors in the state: 1,251,640 (16.2% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #15

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 72.7
• Breakdown by sex: 46.1% male, 53.9% female
• Breakdown by race: 83.2% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Asian, 0.8% Native American or Alaska Native

#4. New York

• Average life expectancy: 80.3
• Total seniors in the state: 3,477,337 (17.5% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #6

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 73.3
• Breakdown by sex: 43.9% male, 56.1% female
• Breakdown by race: 68.0% White, 11.8% Black or African American, 12.0% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Asian, 0.3% Native American or Alaska Native

#3. Minnesota

• Average life expectancy: 80.4
• Total seniors in the state: 959,272 (16.8% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #1

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 72.9
• Breakdown by sex: 46.2% male, 53.8% female
• Breakdown by race: 91.9% White, 2.4% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Asian, 0.4% Native American or Alaska Native

#2. California

• Average life expectancy: 81.1
• Total seniors in the state: 5,964,526 (15.2% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #8

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 73.1
• Breakdown by sex: 45.1% male, 54.9% female
• Breakdown by race: 55.8% White, 5.1% Black or African American, 21.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.6% Asian, 0.8% Native American or Alaska Native

#1. Hawaii

• Average life expectancy: 82.3
• Total seniors in the state: 282,567 (19.6% of state population)
• Health care for seniors rank: #22

Senior demographics:

• Median age: 73.5
• Breakdown by sex: 45.9% male, 54.1% female
• Breakdown by race: 27.2% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 51.7% Asian, 0.2% Native American or Alaska Native

These rankings offer a glimpse into the states where residents are experiencing extended lifespans and enhanced senior care. Factors like healthcare accessibility, demographic composition, and regional characteristics contribute to the areas where seniors live the longest. As we explore these top-ranking states, it becomes evident that various elements combine to create a landscape of vitality and longevity.