New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) highlights significant differences in average life expectancy across towns in the West Midlands. The analysis shows that where you live can have a major impact on how long you are expected to live, with disparities exceeding a decade in some parts of the country.
In the West Midlands, Bromsgrove in Worcestershire boasts the highest life expectancy for both men and women. Women in Bromsgrove can expect to live to an average age of 84.9 years, while men have an average life expectancy of 81.6 years.
Conversely, the lowest life expectancy figures for men and women within the West Midlands are found in the Black Country region, though across different boroughs. Sandwell has the lowest male life expectancy at just 76.8 years, while Wolverhampton records the lowest female life expectancy at 81.3 years.
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Nationally, life expectancy shows a clear north-south divide. The top ten areas with the highest life expectancies for both sexes are located exclusively in southern England, whereas the ten lowest-ranked areas are primarily in northern England and Scotland. Notably, none of the towns in the West Midlands fall within either the top 20 or bottom 20 rankings nationally.
This stark regional disparity underscores the influence of socioeconomic and environmental factors on longevity. Residents in the Midlands can explore their specific life expectancy figures through an interactive map that reflects this data.