New federal data show that life expectancy in the United States improved in 2023, but large gaps remain among racial and ethnic groups. The overall life expectancy at birth rose to 78.4 years, up nearly a full year from 2022, yet the benefits were uneven.
Asian Americans continued to have the longest life expectancy at 85.2 years, while Hispanic Americans averaged 81.3 years. White Americans followed at 78.4 years, and Black Americans at 74.0. The lowest life expectancy was recorded for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, at 70.1 years—more than 15 years below Asian Americans.
The report linked much of the national gain to lower mortality from COVID-19, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. But troubling patterns emerged within specific groups. American Indian and Alaska Native communities saw the largest increase, gaining 2.3 years, yet their life expectancy remained nearly two years lower than before the pandemic. Similarly, Black Americans gained 1.2 years, but still fell short of pre-pandemic levels.
By contrast, White and Asian populations gained less than a year. Hispanic Americans rose by 1.3 years, but their average life span remained 0.6 years shorter than in 2019. The findings highlight how the pandemic amplified existing disparities, particularly for Indigenous and Black communities, and how recovery has been uneven.
Overall, experts warn that while national averages show improvement, deep racial and ethnic gaps continue to shape health outcomes across the United States.
See: “United States Life Tables, 2023” (July 15, 2025)
