Over the past half-century, life expectancy in the United States has seen a significant increase, rising from 70.8 years in 1970 to 77.5 years in 2022, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While genetics, lifestyle choices, and environment all contribute to longevity, geographic location also plays a crucial role.
Certain regions around the world, known as “blue zones,” have attracted attention for their high numbers of centenarians. These areas, such as Ikaria, Greece; Loma Linda, California; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Sardinia, Italy, are studied for insights into factors like diet, lifestyle, and community that contribute to long life spans. Similarly, within the United States, specific states and counties consistently report higher life expectancy rates than others.
Stacker utilized the 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute to identify Virginia’s counties with the longest life expectancy. This analysis considers mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System, excluding counties with unreliable or insufficient data.
Top Counties for Longevity in Virginia
1. Manassas Park
Life expectancy: 85.3 years
2. Fairfax County
Life expectancy: 84.9 years
3. Arlington County
Life expectancy: 84.7 years
4. Loudoun County
Life expectancy: 84.1 years
5. Alexandria
Life expectancy: 82.5 years
6. James City County
Life expectancy: 82.0 years
7. Albemarle County
Life expectancy: 81.9 years
8. York County
Life expectancy: 81.1 years
9. Prince William County
Life expectancy: 81.0 years
10. Goochland County
Life expectancy: 80.1 years
These counties not only exceed the state average in life expectancy but also exemplify communities where residents tend to enjoy longer, healthier lives. Exploring the factors contributing to these outcomes offers valuable insights for enhancing public health strategies and promoting longevity across Virginia.
In conclusion, geographic location matters significantly in life expectancy. By studying these counties with exceptional life spans, we can glean important lessons on creating environments that foster healthier and longer lives for all residents.