Rhode Island ranks #8 in life expectancy in the U.S.

In a new 2025 report from Nursa, Rhode Island ranks #8 in life expectancy nationwide.

The study looked at everything from access to parks and walking trails to smoking rates, pollution levels, and healthy food availability. States that scored high in fitness access and clean environments consistently had longer lifespans.

Why Rhode Island ranks high:

    •    Strong access to outdoor spaces and walking trails

    •    Better-than-average access to gyms and healthy food retailers

    •    Lower smoking and hospital readmission rates

Top 10 States by Life Expectancy:

    •    Hawaii – 79.9 years

    •    Massachusetts – 79.6

    •    Connecticut – 79.2

    •    New Jersey – 79

    •    New York – 79

    •    Minnesota – 78.8

    •    New Hampshire – 78.5

    •    Rhode Island – 78.5

    •    Vermont – 78.4

    •    California – 78.3

Bottom 5 States by Life Expectancy:

    •    Mississippi – 70.9 years

    •    West Virginia – 71

    •    Alabama – 72

    •    Louisiana – 72.2

    •    Kentucky – 72.3

Meanwhile, states with fewer gyms and limited access to wellness resources, like Mississippi and West Virginia, ranked near the bottom, with life expectancies below 73 years.

As more people prioritize health and fitness, Rhode Island’s infrastructure seems to be paying off, but there’s always room to improve, especially in underserved communities.

Do you think Rhode Island’s healthcare and wellness resources are enough?