Top 10: Michigan Counties with the Longest and Shortest Life Expectancies

By Stacker

January 17, 2023

MICHIGAN—For much of the population, life expectancy in the United States was on the rise between 1960 and 2019—with the average life expectancy of Americans climbing to age 79 over the last decade.

The greater longevity rates can be attributed to improved health care such as diagnostic and medical advancements, as well as shifting lifestyle choices including healthier diets and a reduction in rates of smoking and alcohol consumption. While no one single factor determines the overall health of an entire community, certain socioeconomic and environmental factors such as access to health care, clean air, clean water, and affordable housing, can also contribute significantly to average life expectancies.

Using 2022 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps from the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Stacker identified the counties with the longest and shortest life expectancies in Michigan.

Here’s the list of the 10 counties with the longest average life expectancy in Michigan:

10. Grand Traverse County

  • Average life expectancy: 79.8 years

9. Oakland County

  • Average life expectancy: 79.9 years

8. Alger County

  • Average life expectancy: 80.1 years

7. Antrim County

  • Average life expectancy: 80.4 years

6. Midland County

  • Average life expectancy: 80.4 years

5. Livingston County

  • Average life expectancy: 80.8 years

4. Washtenaw County

  • Average life expectancy: 80.9 years

3. Clinton County

  • Average life expectancy: 81.1 years

2. Ottawa County

  • Average life expectancy: 81.3 years

1. Leelanau County

  • Average life expectancy: 82.3 years

Since 2020, life expectancy has declined nearly two whole years to an average age of 77.28. The opioid epidemic, COVID-19, and unintentional injuries—largely driven by drug overdoses—were the leading causes of the decrease. Stark disparities among certain segments of the population were also observed.

Here’s the list of the 10 counties with the shortest average life expectancy in Michigan:

10. Roscommon County

  • Average life expectancy: 75.5 years

9. Gladwin County

  • Average life expectancy: 75.3 years

8. Calhoun County

  • Average life expectancy: 75.2 years

7. Montmorency County

  • Average life expectancy: 75.1 years

6. Ogemaw County

  • Average life expectancy: 74.9 years

5. Genesee County

  • Average life expectancy: 74.8 years

4. Iosco County

  • Average life expectancy: 74.8 years

3. Iron County

  • Average life expectancy: 74.7 years

2. Wayne County

  • Average life expectancy: 74.3 years

1. Clare County

  • Average life expectancy: 74.3 years

This article has been re-published from Stacker pursuant to a CC BY-NC 4.0 License.

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