Vermont Life Expectancy: 80.6 Years (Above U.S. Average)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau / NCHS 2019 data (latest comprehensive state-level release), Vermont's median life expectancy at birth is 80.6 years—about 1.7 years above the national average of 78.9 years.

Why Vermont Ranks High

• Low obesity/smoking rates (consistently top-10 healthiest behaviors).
• High insurance coverage (~96 % insured; Medicaid expansion).
• Rural active lifestyle — recreation culture (hiking, skiing, farming).
• Strong primary-care access — community health centers, Blueprint for Health medical homes.
• Low violent crime, pollution.

Caveats

• Gap persists by income/education (rural poverty pockets).
• Opioid mortality rose 2015–2019, slightly dragging gains.
• 2020–2021 COVID impacts not yet fully reflected in state tables.

Vermont's longevity reflects a mix of policy, culture, and geography—not genetics.