By Robert Samuels
The United States is an increasingly polarized country when it comes to politics – but one thing that almost all people want is to live a long, healthy life.
More and more Americans are moving from Democratic-leaning blue states to Republican-voting red ones, and one of the effects of this change is that they are relocating to places with lower life expectancy.
Idaho, Montana and Florida, all red states, had the greatest population growth among U.S. states between 2020 and 2022. Meanwhile, New York and Illinois, both blue states, and Louisiana, a red state, suffered the biggest population losses. California, another blue state, has experienced significant recent population loss as well.
One key reason for this migration is the high cost of living in places like New York and California, compared with the lower cost of living in red states such as Georgia or Indiana.
I am a scholar who studies the intersection between politics, media and psychology. I think it is important to note that another trend, though, is that people are largely migrating to places with lower life expectancies.
Brooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images
Understanding demographics
There is a large difference in expected life spans for people living in certain states, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
For instance, people born in New York and California – two of the richest states in the country, which largely vote Democratic – have a life expectancy of 77.7 and 79 years, respectively. But people in Mississippi and Louisiana – two of the poorest states, which tend to vote Republican – live, on average, until they are 71.9 and 73.1 years old.
People who live in Republican-leaning states tend to have less money, worse health conditions, higher rates of gun-related deaths and lower levels of education than people living in Democratic states.
On average, people in red states have higher rates of poverty than residents of blue states.
Poverty is an indicator for life expectancies in the U.S. – the poorer someone is, the more likely to die younger.
But there are likely other issues at play in people in red states’ having lower life spans.
Health differences
Research in 2020 showed that Americans in blue states tend to live longer than people in red states, primarily because of state policies on everything from seat belt laws to abortion laws. That research also identified health policies as a major factor.
People in blue states also tend to have higher rates of health insurance than people in red states.
Moreover, when looking at the rates of people who are diagnosed with cancer in each state, it is clear that people in red states are generally less healthy than people in blue ones. Red-state residents are also more likely to die from heart disease than people in blue states.
But health rates vary greatly across racial and ethnic groups. Black and Hispanic people are far more likely than white and Asian people in the U.S. to not have access to quality affordable health care, regardless of their state of residence.
And Black people remain more likely than white people to have high blood pressure and to die from heart disease, among other health conditions.
Lower education levels
Another key factor in this life span trend is that people in red states have lower levels of education than people in blue states.
This matters, since some recent research has shown that education levels are the best predictor of a person’s life span for a variety of complex, interconnected reasons, including an increased likelihood that receiving a higher education will lead to a boost in income.
Experts also often consider race and ethnicity another major factor, in part because of structural inequalities facing people of color that may place access to quality affordable education out of reach, for example.
Lack of education may be the most direct reason for lower incomes and shorter lives – but it is not clear if attaining a higher level of education makes people wealthier, or if people who are born into wealth receive more and better education.
Are people moving to die young?
There are other reasons that factor into the complex question of life expectancy, and discrepancies in longevity across states.
One reason identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for example, is that there are more gun deaths – by homicide and suicide – in red states than blue states.
People are moving to different states in the U.S. for a variety of reasons – including, in some cases, political ideologies. While blue ZIP codes have been found to be getting bluer, red ones are becoming even more red.
But it is important to keep in mind that data on life spans and health are simply averages, and so there can be a high variation within particular locations.
Thee are people in red and blue states who defy these statistics – many people living long lives in poor red states, and people dying younger in rich blue ones.
Still, the overall trends are clear. People living in blue states – by and large – tend to live longer, healthier and wealthier lives.
Robert Samuels is Continuing Lecturer in Writing at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
The Conversation arose out of deep-seated concerns for the fading quality of our public discourse and recognition of the vital role that academic experts could play in the public arena. Information has always been essential to democracy. It’s a societal good, like clean water. But many now find it difficult to put their trust in the media and experts who have spent years researching a topic. Instead, they listen to those who have the loudest voices. Those uninformed views are amplified by social media networks that reward those who spark outrage instead of insight or thoughtful discussion. The Conversation seeks to be part of the solution to this problem, to raise up the voices of true experts and to make their knowledge available to everyone. The Conversation publishes nightly at 9 p.m. on FlaglerLive.
Laurel says
Interesting, but scary considering I’m 71. Aaaggghhh! I can argue though, my grandmother lived to be 99 in this blue to red state. She was neither Democrat nor Republican, as her beliefs spanned both parties. We did have a family business on Los Olas in Ft. Lauderdale, which was very upscale, but she worked super hard to get, and stay there. Not a thing was handed to her. She did it all on her own. There is something to be said for that.
My husband and I started at the bottom and worked our way up, separately, then together, without stepping on toes or causing anyone harm, to where we are now, and our moms would be proud. Because of planning, working consistently and being independent, we have moved near Mayo Clinic, and have excellent healthcare at the number one hospital in the country. Basic Medicare is accepted there, and we have a right to it as we put in to it all our working lives. We purposely planned this, and started with Mayo a dozen years ago. Maybe that will expand our life spans, maybe not. Who knows? The ultra rich Paul McCartney could not save his ultra rich wife, Linda.
Genetics, outlook, education and health care are definitely going to make a difference in a person’s life and life span. Then again, some believe it is all planned ahead by another source. Do the best you can.
Sherry says
Hi Laurel,
What a very smart move. . . placing yourself in close proximity to Mayo clinic! Quality health care is so very important, especially in our “golden years”.
Although we have slightly different priorities . . . like finding joy, peace and love, being near a true international airport, and access to world class food and arts, etc., our health care here is good. So, we are happy with our choice to leave Florida and move to wonderful Sausalito, CA.
Wishing you and yours great happiness now and into the future!
Laurel says
Sherry: I am glad you made choices that make you happy. I very seriously doubt my husband and I could move out of Florida. We would be like fish out of water!
We spent some time with friends and relatives in South Carolina, and it sure has its advantages. People there are so polite, and it appears to be a requisite! Most everyone says “hi,” and strike up conversations whether they know you or not, that doesn’t matter. People stuck in line with you, very commonly talk to you. Younger people say “yes mam” and “yes sir.” Manners are a big deal, and it’s expected. However, more people are moving down from up north, and the locals are really feeling the difference in behavior. The newcomers are aloof and don’t share this love of manners.
We visited Brookgreen Gardens, which is filled with many beautiful, American statues of gods, goddesses and the like. Many are very anatomically correct! I couldn’t help but joke about how this statue or that statue would not be allowed in Florida. Strangers laughed. South Carolina is not the most liberal state in the Union, so I never expected Florida to be less tolerant than South Carolina! This group down here would be trying to remove classical art, in the name of “parental rights.”
*sigh*
Sherry says
Hi Laurel,
Wishing you and yours the very best! Joy! Peace! Love!
Hopefully enough voters in Florida will start to see the great damage being done by DeSantis and his henchmen. IMO, DeSantis is even more dangerous than trump. We need to continue to raise our voices and cry foul, regardless of where we are currently living. I am doing my best with the Republicans I meet here in Sausalito . . . but, unfortunately there is no local platform live wonderful Flaglerlive.
MITCH says
Good article – but some important data left out; How traffic fumes/dust/noise harms the health of those in residential neighborhoods where the city fails to control the traffic. If not controlled it is by ignoring what harm it is doing to resident’s health, especially children and the elderly. There are numerous worldwide, many in USA, Health Organizations and Universities scientific studies about “Harm to Health from Traffic in Close Proximity to Homes” and “Harm to Health from Prolonged Exposure to Traffic Fumes/Dust//Noise”. Ignoring these scientific studies from my viewpoint is purposely harming residents. Fixing the infrastructure to keep excessive traffic out of residential neighborhoods is not on the city’s radar. Building in areas where traffic is already congested is adding to the toxic poisons of traffic fumes/dust. See how traffic fumes/dust/noise affects health from preborn to adults: https://envhealthcenters.usc.edu/infographics/infographic-living-near-busy-roads-or-traffic-pollution
Atwp says
Wise decision about life styles, plenty of sunshine, plenty of fresh air can only help us live longer. And don’t forget a healthy diet and plenty of water and rest. Blue state, red state, fresh air and sunshine abound, it is your personal decision of how you are going to live your life. I forgot moderate exercise. Many of my people are gone but they lived a long life despite Jim Crowe laws. They lived to be very old and they were mentally stable when they passed. The bad laws of this country and genetics play a part but the decision is up to me. Regular doctor visits care very important. Bad lifestyle decisions is one of the reason why so many young are in their graves today. It is up to the individuals. It is your choice. Live a life of peace or a life of destructiveness. To close my comments, a productive full life is better than a wasted long life. I believe Jesus was on this earth for thirty some years, look at the productive life he lived.
Sherry says
My own very personal experience and observations certainly echo the analysis and data in this article. I was born and raised in Jacksonville, with ancestors in that region beginning in the 1600s. At age 18, I moved to the New York and New Jersey area and lived there for 6 years. I also lived in the San Francisco Bay area for 20 years before retiring and returning to Florida in 2005. . . living in Flagler Beach until the Summer of 2022. Last Summer, we sold our beautiful home and again returned to California. Now we live in wonderful Sausalito.
Therefore, I have extensive personal experience in living in both Red and Blue states. I have also voted for both Republican and Democratic candidates. . . voting for the “person” instead of the “party”.
Anecdotally, I can honestly say there are generally stark differences between Flagler county, Florida and Sausalito, California:
* The vast majority of people here are much more kind and friendly. Example: In grocery store lines people generally welcome those with only a couple of items to go first. Reply from our neighbor when we asked them to trim their trees to preserve our our views= “Yes, of course, that is what good neighbors do”. The trees were trimmed 3 days later. I could easily name 50 other examples off the top of my head.
* Even in the much heavier traffic here, we’ve seen far fewer accidents, and drivers are much less likely to tail gate and cut you off, etc.
* The people in our community and our neighbors are obviously better educated, conversations are more focused on credible facts. They support the arts. . . many are museum members, etc.
* The general populace is “obviously” thinner and healthier looking. There are no cigarette butts on the ground. Many, many people bicycling, and running, and playing Pickle Ball, etc.
* Although the (really great) restaurants are more expensive, fried foods are simply not on the menu. Grocery stores offer a much larger selection of vegetarian and healthy options. Far fewer “fast food” places. You are what you eat.
Yes, most things are more expensive here in Sausalito, but we have chosen to live in the “best” place . . . not the “cheapest” place. The natural beauty here is far beyond any place in Florida, and the weather here is much, much better.
I could go on and on with the contrast and compare. . . but, you get the picture.
Dave says
Well heck I had better read this to my 101 year old neighbor. She’s a Republican and was born Lake City Fla and living here has not hurt her age.
Sherry says
Well Dave. . . that is “ONE”. . . good on you!
Consider the possibility that life on this planet is far larger than your closed mind can imagine. Also, it’s the “quality” of life that really matters.
Dave says
Well Sherry your closed mine cannot accept that there are people living in Fla that are happy. As a life long resident of this state and a proud Democrat, our quality of life is pretty darn good. At 73 we have no issues. People have to make their own life choices, heath care, living means etc.. and not listen to closed mind posters that do not speak for others. And yes quality of life is what really matters regardless of political party and regardless of what state a person lives in. You moved to CA, and good luck to you out there. Nice town.
Sherry says
@ Dave. . . you are right on. . . different strokes for different folks!
As a true Florida native, I “was” really happy there as a child. I was even happy moving back and living in Flagler Beach in 2005. However, then trump emboldened those who are filled with fear, hate and anger. . . the local Flagler community changed into a toxic soup that continues to linger. With DeSantis hell bent on injecting Fascism at every turn. . . we regretfully chose to leave Florida to live our golden years in a place full of kindness and positive energy.