Aug 26, 2024 - News
Life expectancy slips in North Carolina
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North Carolina's life expectancy was 74.9 years in 2021, ranking the state No. 36 in the United States. That age is down from 76.1 years in 2020, according to new CDC data.
Why it matters: Life expectancy nationwide fell by 0.6 years between 2020 and 2021 to 76.4 years — largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdoses, per the report.
- From 2018 to 2022 in North Carolina, there was an 89% increase in overdose deaths, from 2,301 to 4,339, the Charlotte Observer reported.
Between the lines: Women are expected to live longer than men across the country.
- In North Carolina, women had a life expectancy of 77.9 years in 2021, compared with 72 years for men.
Yes, but: With the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, these numbers will likely improve in future reports — as earlier preliminary data suggests.
- Still, both COVID and drug overdoses remain serious public health challenges.