Counties in New Jersey with the highest life expectancy
Over the past fifty years, life expectancy figures have risen in the United States, with an impressive increase of almost seven years. (In 1970, the average life span was recorded at 70.8 and increased to 77.5 by 2022, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.) Numerous factors contribute to one’s longevity—from genetics to consumption habits, such as alcohol and tobacco, nutrition and body weight, as well as physical fitness levels. Additionally, the location you reside in can play a crucial part.
In certain regions of the world, referred to as “blue zones,” a strikingly large number of individuals reach the age of 100 or beyond. The five notable regions—Ikaria in Greece; Loma Linda in California; Nicoya in Costa Rica; Okinawa in Japan; and Sardinia in Italy—are the subjects of intense study as researchers seek to understand the dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and surroundings that facilitate such extended lifespans. Though it may not seem like an apparent factor, your place of residence can deeply influence your overall longevity, explaining why some states and particular counties in the U.S. generally exhibit higher life expectancy rates than others.
By examining the 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Stacker pinpointed the counties with the greatest life expectancy in New Jersey. Life expectancy calculates the average years an individual can expect to live from birth, based on the number of deaths during a specific timeframe and the average population at risk of dying in that period. Counties with inadequate or unreliable data were omitted from the study. Mortality statistics were sourced from the National Vital Statistics System.
Continue reading to find out if your county is included in the rankings.
You might also find interesting: The origins of refugees arriving in New Jersey
#8. Union County
– Life expectancy: 79.4 years
— 0.2 years above the state average
#7. Monmouth County
– Life expectancy: 79.8 years
— 0.6 years higher than the state average
#6. Hudson County
– Life expectancy: 80.0 years
— 0.8 years higher than the state average
#5. Middlesex County
– Life expectancy: 80.3 years
— 1.1 years above the state average
#4. Morris County
– Life expectancy: 81.7 years
— 2.5 years above the state average
You might also find interesting: Small businesses thrive in these counties of New Jersey
#3. Somerset County
– Life expectancy: 81.8 years
— 2.6 years above the state average
#2. Bergen County
– Life expectancy: 81.9 years
— 2.7 years above the state average
#1. Hunterdon County
– Life expectancy: 82.9 years
— 3.7 years above the state average
This article includes data reporting by Karim Noorani and writing by Kiersten Hickman, as part of a series utilizing data automation across fifty states.
By Stacker