State life expectancy · Rank 49 of 51
Life expectancy in Kentucky
People born in Kentucky can expect to live 73.6 years on average, based on 2022 death rates. That is 3.9 years shorter than the U.S. figure of 77.5 for the same year.
At birth, all
73.6
U.S.: 77.5
At birth, men
71.1
U.S.: 74.8
At birth, women
76.2
U.S.: 80.2
Years left at 65
15.6 / 17.9
Men / women
Years left at each age in Kentucky
| Age | Men | Women | All |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 71.1 | 76.2 | 73.6 |
| 20 | 52.0 | 56.9 | 54.4 |
| 40 | 34.4 | 38.3 | 36.3 |
| 50 | 26.3 | 29.6 | 27.9 |
| 60 | 18.9 | 21.5 | 20.2 |
| 65 | 15.6 | 17.9 | 16.8 |
| 70 | 12.5 | 14.3 | 13.5 |
| 80 | 7.2 | 8.3 | 7.8 |
| 90 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 3.9 |
Odds of reaching 85 and 90 in Kentucky
| Starting age | Men reach 85 | Women reach 85 | Men reach 90 | Women reach 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 26% | 37% | 12% | 19% |
| 65 | 32% | 43% | 14% | 22% |
| 75 | 45% | 54% | 20% | 28% |
Neighbors in the ranking
| Rank | State | At birth | At 65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | Alabama | 73.8 | 17.1 |
| 48 | Louisiana | 73.8 | 17.5 |
| 49 | Kentucky | 73.6 | 16.8 |
| 50 | Mississippi | 72.6 | 16.7 |
| 51 | West Virginia | 72.2 | 16.6 |
Differences between states reflect income, smoking and obesity rates, rural access to care, overdose and injury deaths, and many other factors. A state average says little about any one person.
Source: NCHS U.S. State Life Tables, 2022. Period life tables describe 2022 death rates; they are not predictions for individuals.
Questions
What is the life expectancy in Kentucky?
73.6 years at birth in 2022: 71.1 for males and 76.2 for females, according to NCHS state life tables. That is 3.9 years below the U.S. average of 77.5.
How does Kentucky rank for life expectancy?
Kentucky ranks 49 of 51 (50 states plus D.C.) for life expectancy at birth, and 49 of 51 for remaining years at age 65.
How long will a 65-year-old in Kentucky live?
On average, a 65-year-old man in Kentucky has about 15.6 years left and a 65-year-old woman about 17.9.