Life expectancy varies widely across the US, revealing major differences in health, wealth, and policy. The national average is 77.5 years, but more than half of states fall below this mark. The gap between the highest- and lowest-ranked states is 7.8 years. Drawing on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Center for Health Statistics, this ranking highlights how geography influences longevity.
Click through to explore what’s driving life expectancy in each state.