Life Expectancy at Birth

Asian and Pacific Islander populations are only available in 5-year estimates due to low numbers. Data Source: DC Vital Records, CDC WONDER single-race single-year population estimates and American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year estimates. Why This Matters Life expectancy reflects a community’s mortality levels and overall health. In the U.S. life expectancy has been stagnant since 2010 and declined during the COVID-19 Pandemic, primarily due to heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, and fatal drug overdoses. Changes and disparities in life expectancy at birth reflect trends and inequities in living standards, access to quality health care, and other social and economic factors. Nationally, life expectancy at birth is lower among Black and Native Americans compared to other racial and ethnic groups. These racial disparities are rooted in a long history of racial segregation, economic and employment discrimination, and environmental racism, among other racist practices, as noted by the National Health Atlas. The District Response Ensuring District residents access to various healthcare programs, such as Medicaid, DC Healthcare Alliance Program, and DC Healthy Families. For more information on these programs, click here. Initiatives and programs to reduce disparities in housing, employment, and food insecurity through programs and services, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), DC Child Care Subsidy Program, and DC Infrastructure Academy. Promoting health through free DPR fitness centers, wellness classes, the MoveDC Plan for active transportation, and health and PE classes in public schools to encourage lifelong exercise habits.