Updated data tool finds CT life expectancy 8 years better than US, but large disparities
County Health Rankings has updated their massive dataset for 2025, and Connecticut is doing well overall. We live longer than residents of other states, but our quality of life is just average. There are also significant health differences between communities in our state. The site has a wealth of data, and an AI-powered tool to find evidence-based options to address areas problem areas.
According to the new data, Connecticut residents’ average longevity is 79.2 years, eight years longer than the US average (77.1). But residents of Fairfield County live four years longer (81.2 years), on average than people who live in Windham County (77.2 years).
While Connecticut performs better than the US on some metrics, e.g. access to primary and mental healthcare, that does not mean access is adequate.
A few findings from the Connecticut data:
- OK — CT residents average 3.8 days of poor physical health in the previous 30 days, compared to 3.9 for the US overall
- Need to do better — 8% of babies are born at low birth weight, the same as the US average
- Better — We have relatively good access to primary care with 1,210 state residents/primary care physician, compared to the US at 1,330 for each PCP
- Better — We have better access to mental health providers with one mental health provider for every 190 state residents, compared the US average of 300
- Worse — Alcohol was involved in 31% of CT motor vehicle crashes, compared to just 26% nationally
- Worse — Drug overdose deaths in CT were 41/100,000 people, compared to just 31 nationally
Other metrics include severe housing problems (we’re the same as the US), air pollution (we’re worse), education (we are better), and childcare cost burden (we’re worse).
There is a mountain of data on the site, but it is very easy to sort and find what you’re looking for. You can compare Connecticut to other states, compare counties, and search by zip code.
But they don’t leave you there. The site catalogs over 400 evidence-based strategies to address specific problem areas. They have also developed an AI tool to answer your questions about the most effective options to improve health.
Popular questions include:
- Can community organizing be used in public health?
- Will expanding the child tax credit reduce poverty in my community?
- What are the structural determinants of health?
- How can we reduce chronic homelessness in our city?
- How do school nutrition standards impact health?