State life expectancy · Rank 51 of 51
Life expectancy in West Virginia
People born in West Virginia can expect to live 72.2 years on average, based on 2022 death rates. That is 5.3 years shorter than the U.S. figure of 77.5 for the same year.
At birth, all
72.2
U.S.: 77.5
At birth, men
69.5
U.S.: 74.8
At birth, women
75.1
U.S.: 80.2
Years left at 65
15.4 / 17.7
Men / women
Years left at each age in West Virginia
| Age | Men | Women | All |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth | 69.5 | 75.1 | 72.2 |
| 20 | 50.5 | 55.9 | 53.1 |
| 40 | 33.3 | 37.6 | 35.4 |
| 50 | 25.7 | 29.0 | 27.3 |
| 60 | 18.5 | 21.2 | 19.9 |
| 65 | 15.4 | 17.7 | 16.6 |
| 70 | 12.4 | 14.2 | 13.4 |
| 80 | 7.0 | 8.3 | 7.7 |
| 90 | 3.3 | 4.1 | 3.9 |
Odds of reaching 85 and 90 in West Virginia
| Starting age | Men reach 85 | Women reach 85 | Men reach 90 | Women reach 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 25% | 36% | 11% | 19% |
| 65 | 32% | 42% | 14% | 22% |
| 75 | 44% | 54% | 19% | 28% |
Neighbors in the ranking
| Rank | State | At birth | At 65 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 West Virginia?
72.2 years at birth in 2022: 69.5 for males and 75.1 for females, according to NCHS state life tables. That is 5.3 years below the U.S. average of 77.5.
How does West Virginia rank for life expectancy?
West Virginia ranks 51 of 51 (50 states plus D.C.) for life expectancy at birth, and 51 of 51 for remaining years at age 65.
How long will a 65-year-old in West Virginia live?
On average, a 65-year-old man in West Virginia has about 15.4 years left and a 65-year-old woman about 17.7.