Life expectancy has increased rapidly in modern times, and as health care and technology continue to evolve, lives could get longer still. Babies born in the United States today are expected to live about a quarter of a century longer than babies born a century ago. However, there are large variances within the United States and life expectancy depends largely on where children are born and live. The differences are not only between states, but also between cities within each state.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed the city in each state that has the shortest life expectancy at birth. Children born in Gadsden, Alabama, can expect to live 73 years, the lowest of any metro in the state as well as the nation.

Poor social and economic conditions usually hinder longevity. Because poverty tends to contribute to premature death, the shortest-living city residents in a given state tend to report higher poverty rates and lower incomes than other state residents. In about a third of states, the metro area with the shortest life expectancy at birth also had a poverty rate higher than both the national and corresponding state rates. The median household income exceeded the national income level of $53,657 in only nine of these 50 metro areas.

Click here to see the cities with the shortest life expectancy in every state.

Click here to see the cities with the longest life expectancy in every state.

Behavior is also a major factor. Unhealthy eating habits can contribute to a high obesity rate, for example, which increases the risk of contracting disease, which in turn can contribute to shorter lives. The obesity rates in a majority of each state’s shortest-living metro area exceeds the national obesity rate of 27.0%.

The cities with the shortest life expectancy in a given state do not necessarily report weak economic and social factors compared to the nation as a whole. In New Haven-Milford, the life expectancy at birth of 79.8, while the lowest in the Connecticut, is still higher than the national figure.

To determine the metropolitan areas with the longest — and shortest — life expectancy in each state, 24/7 Wall St. used county-level life expectancy data for 2010 from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a global health research center affiliated with University of Washington. To obtain metro area life expectancy estimates, we mapped the counties to their corresponding metro areas and calculated the average life expectancy by sex across all counties in a given metro area, weighting it by 2010 decennial census population figures. Next, we calculated the weighted average of life expectancies by sex to arrive at an estimate of longevity. Twenty-nine metro areas did not match census records in 2010. In these cases, we added the 2010 county populations that currently make up the metropolitan area. Additionally, we used the percentage of residents who are physically inactive and obese, as well as the percentage of adults who smoke from County Health Rankings. To calculate metro area estimates for these measures, we used survey sample sizes and 2014 metro and county five-year population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. Data on median household income, poverty, educational attainment, and the uninsured rate also come from the ACS.

These are the cities with the shortest life expectancy in every state.

1. Alabama
> Metro area: Gadsden
> Life expectancy: 72.9 years
> Obesity rate: 33.8%
> Poverty rate: 18.4%

The average Alabama resident is expected to live for 75.2 years, the lowest life expectancy of any state other than Mississippi. Life expectancy is even shorter in Gadsden, where the average resident is expected to live for just 72.9 years — the lowest life expectancy of any metro area in the country. Unhealthy behaviors among Gadsden residents have likely contributed to its low life expectancy. Of all Gadsden adults, 26.0% smoke and 33.8% are obese, each higher than the national smoking rate of 20.0% and the national obesity rate of 27.0%.

2. Alaska
> Metro area: Fairbanks
> Life expectancy: 77.8 years
> Obesity rate: 28.5%
> Poverty rate: 9.9%

There are two metro areas within Alaska’s state boundaries, Anchorage and Fairbanks. Of the two, Fairbanks’ life expectancy of 77.8 years is the lowest. Not surprisingly, Fairbanks also has higher inactivity and obesity rates than Anchorage. The 79.8% of Fairbanks adults who exercise regularly is the smallest such share in the state. Similarly, Fairbanks’ obesity rate of 28.5% is the highest in Alaska and higher than the 27.0% national obesity rate overall.

3. Arizona
> Metro area: Lake Havasu City-Kingman
> Life expectancy: 75.7 years
> Obesity rate: 26.6%
> Poverty rate: 20.6%

Of Arizona’s seven metro areas, just two have lower life expectancies than the national average of 78.5 years. In Lake Havasu City-Kingman, the average resident is expected to live for just 75.7 years, the lowest life expectancy in the state. The area’s residents have comparatively unhealthy behaviors, which are likely a factor in the area’s low life expectancy. Of all Lake Havasu City-Kingman adults, 26.9% smoke, the fourth highest smoking rate of any metro area in the country. Similarly, just 69.3% of area adults exercise regularly, a smaller share than the 79.6% who do in Arizona as a whole.

4. Arkansas
> Metro area: Pine Bluff
> Life expectancy: 74.5 years
> Obesity rate: 37.6%
> Poverty rate: 26.2%

The Pine Bluff metro area’s life expectancy at birth is just 74.5 years, the shortest among Arkansas urban areas and the 10th lowest in the nation. Unhealthy behaviors are a likely factor in Pine Bluff’s short life expectancy. Pine Bluff adults are among the least likely Americans to be physically active on a regular basis. Just 64.2% of the adult population exercises regularly compared to 69.5% of adults in Arkansas and 77.0% of Americans overall. Also, Pine Bluff’s obesity rate of 37.6% is the second highest of any metro area in the nation.

5. California
> Metro area: Redding
> Life expectancy: 76.5 years
> Obesity rate: 27.3%
> Poverty rate: 13.8%

Life expectancy in California is 80.4 years, the fourth longest life expectancy of any state. In Redding, however, life expectancy is just 76.5 years, the lowest of any metro area in California and two years shorter than the national average. The shorter life expectancy in Redding may be partially due to relatively unhealthy behaviors among its residents. More than one-fourth of Redding adults smoke compared to the statewide smoking rate of 12.9%.

6. Colorado
> Metro area: Pueblo
> Life expectancy: 76.9 years
> Obesity rate: 26.5%
> Poverty rate: 18.8%

Of the seven metro areas in Colorado, only one — Pueblo — has a lower life expectancy than the national life expectancy of 78.5 years. The average Pueblo resident is expected to live for just 76.9 years, the shortest life expectancy in Colorado and among the lowest in the country. As in many cities with low life expectancies, Pueblo residents are less wealthy than state residents overall. The typical Pueblo household makes $41,047 a year, more than $20,000 less than the statewide median household income of $61,303. Also, 18.8% of Pueblo residents live below the poverty line, the highest poverty rate of any metro area in the state.

7. Connecticut
> Metro area: New Haven-Milford
> Life expectancy: 79.8 years
> Obesity rate: 26.9%
> Poverty rate: 13.1%

The average Connecticut resident is expected to live for 80.4 years, the second longest life expectancy among all states. While New Haven-Milford’s 79.8 year life expectancy is the shortest in the state, it is still longer than the 78.5 year national average. New Haven-Milford’s relatively lower in-state life expectancy may be partially due to its residents’ comparatively unhealthy behaviors. Just 75.9% of metro area adults exercise regularly compared to 78.3% who do in Connecticut overall. Similarly, New Haven-Milford’s 26.9% obesity rate is higher than the statewide 24.4% obesity rate.

8. Delaware
> Metro area: Dover
> Life expectancy: 76.8 years
> Obesity rate: 32.7%
> Poverty rate: 13.4%

The Dover metro area is the only metro area in Delaware, and by default it has the shortest life expectancy in the state. The title is still well-deserved, as Dover’s life expectancy of 76.8 years is lower than both the statewide 78.1 year life expectancy and the national 78.5 year figure. A high obesity rate in the metro area may contribute to its low life expectancy. Dover’s adult obesity rate of 32.7% is a far higher share than the 28.2% statewide rate as well as the 27.0% national obesity rate.

9. Florida
> Metro area: Panama City
> Life expectancy: 76.2 years
> Obesity rate: 28.9%
> Poverty rate: 14.7%

Of Florida’s 22 metro areas, 13 have life expectancies lower than the national average of 78.5 years. In Panama City, where the average resident is expected to live for just 76.2 years, life expectancy is more than six years shorter than in Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, Florida’s metro area with the longest life expectancy. Relatively unhealthy behavior in Panama City may contribute to its low life expectancy. Panama City is home to the highest share of residents who smoke in the state. The metro area’s 24.3% smoking rate is higher than both the state and national smoking rates, at 18.0% and 20.0% respectively.

10. Georgia
> Metro area: Columbus
> Life expectancy: 74.4 years
> Obesity rate: 34.7%
> Poverty rate: 19.3%

Georgia is not a particularly healthy state. Of the 14 metro areas located within the state, residents of just one metro area are expected to live longer than the 78.5 year national average. The Columbus metro area’s 74.4 year life expectancy is the lowest in Georgia and one of the shortest nationwide. Columbus metro area residents are among the most likely in the country to be physically inactive and obese. Just 71.6% of Columbus adults exercise regularly compared to 75.7% of adults in Georgia and 77.0% of adults nationwide. Similarly, the 34.7% obesity rate in Columbus is far higher than the 28.7% statewide rate and the 27.0% national obesity rate.

11. Hawaii
> Metro area: Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina
> Life expectancy: 80.7 years
> Obesity rate: 22.7%
> Poverty rate: 13.2%

Of Hawaii’s two metro areas, life expectancy in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina is the lowest. Nevertheless, the average life expectancy of 80.7 years in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina is higher than the 78.5 year national life expectancy. The metro area’s lower life expectancy may be the result of comparatively less healthy behavior amongst its residents. The 15.4% smoking rate and 22.7% obesity rates among adults in Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina are both higher than those of Hawaii’s other metro area, Urban Honolulu.

12. Idaho
> Metro area: Pocatello
> Life expectancy: 77.6 years
> Obesity rate: 29.0%
> Poverty rate: 16.9%

The average Pocatello resident is expected to live for 77.6 years, the lowest life expectancy of any metro area in Idaho. Wealth, or lackthereof, may have contributed to Pocatello’s lower life expectancy. The typical Pocatello household makes $44,018 a year, the lowest median household income of Idaho’s five metro areas. Similarly, Pocatello’s 16.9% poverty rate is the highest of any metro area in the state.

13. Illinois
> Metro area: Danville
> Life expectancy: 75.6 years
> Obesity rate: 34.3%
> Poverty rate: 18.7%

Life expectancy in the Danville metro area is just 75.6 years, the shortest among Illinois urban areas — and among the lowest in the nation. Widespread obesity among metro residents likely contributes to its lower life expectancy. Danville’s obesity rate of 34.3% is the highest in Illinois and one of the higher rates of any metro area nationwide. Smoking is also relatively commonplace in Danville. The 25.4% adult smoking rate in Danville is the second highest in Illinois, and it is significantly higher than the 20.0% share of Americans who identify as smokers.

14. Indiana
> Metro area: Terre Haute
> Life expectancy: 76.0 years
> Obesity rate: 32.1%
> Poverty rate: 18.0%

Indiana is a relatively unhealthy state, and just three of its 12 metro areas have longer life expectancies than the national average. Life expectancy in the Terre Haute metro area is just 76.0 years, the shortest among Indiana urban areas and among the lowest in the nation. Terre Haute metro area residents are among the least likely Americans to be physically active on a regular basis. Just 71.6% of the adult population exercises regularly compared to 77.0% of Americans who do nationwide. The area’s smoking and obesity rates are also relatively high. Together, these behaviors have likely contributed to the low life expectancy.

15. Iowa
> Metro area: Sioux City
> Life expectancy: 78.3 years
> Obesity rate: 31.7%
> Poverty rate: 13.0%

In Iowa’s eight metro areas, residents of only two are expected to have shorter lives than the average American. In Sioux City, the metro area with the lowest life expectancy in the state, the average resident is expected to live for 78.3 years. Relatively unhealthy behaviors may contribute to the metro’s shorter life expectancy. Of the area’s adult population, 20.3% smoke and 31.7% are obese — each the highest such rates in Iowa.

16. Kansas
> Metro area: Wichita
> Life expectancy: 77.7 years
> Obesity rate: 30.2%
> Poverty rate: 13.9%

The Wichita metro area’s life expectancy of just 77.7 years is the shortest among Kansas’s four metro areas. Relatively unhealthy behaviors in Wichita may contribute to its shorter life expectancy. Just 75.1% of adult residents regularly exercise, the lowest such share in the state. Health insurance, which allows better access to medical care and ultimately leads to better health outcomes, is comparatively sparse in Wichita. Of all area adults, 88.4% have health insurance — the lowest insurance coverage rate of any Kansas metro area.

17. Kentucky
> Metro area: Elizabethtown-Fort Knox
> Life expectancy: 76.4 years
> Obesity rate: 31.8%
> Poverty rate: 13.3%

The average Kentucky resident is expected to live just 75.7 years, the sixth lowest life expectancy of any state. Of the state’s urban areas, Elizabeth-Fort Knox’s 76.4 year life expectancy is the lowest. As in most cities with the lowest life expectancies, Elizabethtown-Fort Knox metro area residents are generally more likely than most Americans to smoke, be obese, and be physically inactive. Of the metro area’s adult population, 26.8% smoke, 31.8% are obese, and just 70.6% exercise regularly. This is compared to the respective 20.0% national smoking rate, 27.0% obesity rate, and 77.0% physical activity rate.

18. Louisiana
> Metro area: Hammond
> Life expectancy: 73.9 years
> Obesity rate: 37.4%
> Poverty rate: 21.6%

The average life expectancy in Louisiana is just 75.4 years, the fourth lowest of any state. Of the state’s urban areas, Hammond has the shortest life expectancy of just 73.9 years, the fifth lowest of any metro area in the country. Like most cities with the lowest life expectancy, the Hammond metro area has a high obesity rate. Of Hammond’s adult population, 37.4% are obese — the highest obesity rate in Louisiana and the third highest of any U.S. metro area.

19. Maine
> Metro area: Bangor
> Life expectancy: 77.8 years
> Obesity rate: 31.7%
> Poverty rate: 19.0%

The average Bangor resident is expected to live for just 77.8 years, the shortest life expectancy of any metro area in Maine. As in most cities with the lowest life expectancies, Bangor metro area residents are generally more likely than most Americans to smoke, be obese, and be physically inactive. Poverty is a major factor contributing to poor health, and Bangor metro area residents are quite poor. The poverty rate in Bangor of 19.0% is the highest in Maine and higher than the national poverty rate of 15.5%.

20. Maryland
> Metro area: Cumberland
> Life expectancy: 76.8 years
> Obesity rate: 29.9%
> Poverty rate: 17.8%

The average Cumberland resident is expected to live for 76.8 years, the shortest life expectancy of any metro area in Maryland. Wealth, or lack thereof, may have contributed to Cumberland’s relatively low life expectancy. The typical household in Cumberland makes $38,580 a year, far lower than the state’s $73,971 median annual household income. The metro area also has the highest poverty rate in Maryland. Nearly 18% of Cumberland residents live below the poverty line compared to the 10% poverty rate in Maryland overall.

21. Massachusetts
> Metro area: Springfield
> Life expectancy: 78.9 years
> Obesity rate: 27.1%
> Poverty rate: 17.4%

The average Massachusetts resident is expected to live for 80.2 years, the fifth highest life expectancy of any metro area in the nation. While Springfield’s 78.9 year life expectancy is the lowest in the state, it is still about half a year longer than the 78.5 year national average. As in most cities with lower life expectancies, Springfield adults are more likely to smoke, not to exercise, and to be obese than the rest of the state. At 27.1%, Springfield’s obesity rate is especially high compared to the 23.9% obesity rate for Massachusetts as a whole.

22. Michigan
> Metro area: Battle Creek
> Life expectancy: 75.8 years
> Obesity rate: 35.0%
> Poverty rate: 14.8%

Of Michigan’s 14 urban areas, residents in just four metros are expected to live longer than the 78.5 year national average. In Battle Creek, life expectancy is just 75.8 years, the lowest of any metro area in the state. As in most cities with the lowest life expectancies, Battle Creek metro area residents are generally more likely than most Americans to smoke, be overweight, and be physically inactive. Battle Creek’s obesity rate of 35.0% is one of the highest of any metro area nationwide.

23. Minnesota
> Metro area: Duluth
> Life expectancy: 78.6 years
> Obesity rate: 27.1%
> Poverty rate: 16.2%

The average Minnesota resident is expected to live for 80.4 years, the third highest life expectancy of any state. While Duluth’s 78.6 year life expectancy is the lowest of any Minnesota metro area, it is slightly longer than the 78.5 year national average. Like in many cities with lower life expectancies, Duluth residents are more likely to smoke and be obese than state residents overall. Of all adults in the metro area, 21.4% smoke and 27.1% are obese, both higher than the respective 16.2% smoking and 25.9% obesity rates for Minnesota as a whole.

24. Mississippi
> Metro area: Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula
> Life expectancy: 75.3 years
> Obesity rate: 32.5%
> Poverty rate: 16.7%

Mississippi is a particularly unhealthy state, and has the lowest life expectancy in the nation. Of the three urban areas in the state, residents of Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula are expected to have the shortest lives. The metro area’s 75.3 year life expectancy is the lowest in Mississippi and nearly the lowest in the country. Like most cities with low life expectancy, the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula metro area has a high obesity rate. Of all adult residents, 32.5% are obese, compared to the 27.0% national obesity rate. Similarly, the metro area’s 26.1% smoking rate is higher than the corresponding national figure of 20.0%.

25. Missouri
> Metro area: Joplin
> Life expectancy: 76.4 years
> Obesity rate: 32.9%
> Poverty rate: 17.5%

Missouri is not a particularly healthy state. Of the eight metro areas located within state boundaries, residents of just one are expected to live longer than the 78.5 year national average. The Joplin metro area’s life expectancy of just 76.4 years is the shortest in Missouri and more than two years less than that of the average American. Like most cities with low life expectancy, the Joplin metro area has a high obesity rate. The 32.9% obesity rate in Joplin is higher than the 30.9% obesity rate for Missouri as a whole and the national obesity rate of 27.0%.

26. Montana
> Metro area: Billings
> Life expectancy: 78.0 years
> Obesity rate: 25.7%
> Poverty rate: 12.2%

Of Montana’s three metro areas, just one has a longer life expectancy than the average American. In Billings, residents are expected to live for 78.0 years, the lowest life expectancy in the state and half a year less than 78.5 year national average. Health insurance allows better access to medical care and ultimately lead to better health outcomes. In Billings, just 87.0% of residents have health insurance, the lowest insurance coverage in Montana.

27. Nebraska
> Metro area: Grand Island
> Life expectancy: 78.8 years
> Obesity rate: 31.0%
> Poverty rate: 14.8%

Residents in each of Nebraska’s three metro areas are expected to live longer than the average American. While Grand Island residents have the shortest life expectancy of any metro in the state, they are still expected to live for slightly longer than the 78.5 national average. Less wealthy areas often have less healthy behavior and ultimately lower life expectancy. The typical Grand Island household makes $49,742 a year, the lowest median household income in the state. Similarly, the 14.8% of Grand Island residents who live in poverty comprise the highest poverty rate in Nebraska.

28. Nevada
> Metro area: Carson City
> Life expectancy: 76.4 years
> Obesity rate: 23.0%
> Poverty rate: 22.4%

Nevada is not a particularly healthy state. Of of the three metro areas in the state — Carson City, Reno, and Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise — none has a longer life expectancy than the national average. In Carson City, residents are expected to live for just 76.4 years, the shortest life expectancy in the state and among the lowest in the country. As in many cities with low life expectancies, poverty is fairly widespread in Carson City. The metro area’s poverty rate of 22.4% is far higher than Nevada’s 15.2% poverty rate.

29. New Hampshire
> Metro area: Manchester-Nashua
> Life expectancy: 80.2 years
> Obesity rate: 27.2%
> Poverty rate: 8.7%

Manchester-Nashua is the only metro area in New Hampshire, and as such it has both the shortest and longest life expectancy by default. The average Manchester-Nashua resident is expected to live for 80.2 years, higher than both New Hampshire’s average life expectancy of 79.9 years and the 78.5 year national average. The relatively high life expectancy may be partially due to minimal poverty in the area. Just 8.7% of Manchester-Nashua residents live below the poverty line, the sixth lowest poverty rate of any metro area in the country.

30. New Jersey
> Metro area: Vineland-Bridgeton
> Life expectancy: 76.7 years
> Obesity rate: 33.9%
> Poverty rate: 19.8%

The average New Jersey resident is expected to live for 79.8 years, the eighth longest of any state. In Vineland-Bridgeton, however, life expectancy is just 76.7 years, the shortest in the state. Vineland-Bridgeton metro area residents are among the least likely Americans to be physically active on a regular basis. As in many cities with low life expectancy, the metro area’s adults are also more likely to smoke and be obese than state residents overall. The obesity rate in the metro area is 33.9%, compared to 24.4% in New Jersey as a whole. Similarly, the adult smoking rate in Vineland-Bridgeton, at 24.1%, is far higher than the state’s 15.6% smoking rate.

31. New Mexico
> Metro area: Farmington
> Life expectancy: 76.8 years
> Obesity rate: 30.2%
> Poverty rate: 22.0%

The Farmington metro area’s life expectancy is just 76.8 years, the shortest among New Mexico urban areas. Like in many cities with low life expectancy, adult residents of Farmington are more likely to smoke, not to exercise, and to be obese than state residents overall. Just 76.8% of the population exercises regularly compared to 80.2% of New Mexico residents. Of all adults in Farmington, 22.7% smoke and 30.2% are obese, both the highest such rates in the state.

32. New York
> Metro area: Watertown-Fort Drum
> Life expectancy: 77.8 years
> Obesity rate: 29.6%
> Poverty rate: 14.4%

New York is a relatively healthy state, and only three of its 12 metro areas have shorter life expectancies than the average American. In Watertown-Fort Drum however, life expectancy is just 77.8 years, the shortest among New York’s urban areas. Relatively unhealthy behavior among Watertown-Fort Drum residents likely contributes to lower life expectancy. Just 73.7% of Watertown-Fort Drum metro area adults exercise regularly, the second lowest share in the state. Infrequent exercise may also contribute to the state’s large obese population. Of all Watertown-Fort Drum adults, 29.6% are obese, the second highest obesity rate in New York.

33. North Carolina
> Metro area: Rocky Mount
> Life expectancy: 75.4 years
> Obesity rate: 34.8%
> Poverty rate: 20.3%

Of the 15 metro areas located within North Carolina, residents of just three — Raleigh, Wilmington, and Durham-Chapel Hill — are expected to live longer than the 78.5 year national average. Rocky Mount’s life expectancy is just 75.4 years, the shortest in the state and among the lowest in the nation. Rocky Mount metro area residents are among the least likely Americans to be physically active on a regular basis. Just 68.6% of the adult population exercises regularly compared to 77.0% of Americans who do. As in many cities with low life expectancies, poverty is quite high in Rocky Mount. The 20.3% poverty rate in Rocky Mount is higher than the 17.2% poverty rate for North Carolina as a whole.

34. North Dakota
> Metro area: Grand Forks
> Life expectancy: 79.1 years
> Obesity rate: 29.8%
> Poverty rate: 18.9%

Although Grand Forks residents are expected to have shorter lifespans than residents of North Dakota’s other two metro areas — Bismarck and Fargo — they are still expected to live longer than the average American. The life expectancy in Grand Forks is 79.1 years, higher than the 78.5 year U.S. average. High poverty can contribute to poorer health outcomes that ultimately contribute to lower life expectancy. In Grand Forks, 18.9% of residents live in poverty compared to just 11.5% of North Dakota residents as a whole who do. Furthermore, the 29.8% of Grand Forks adults who are obese is the highest such obesity rate of any metro in the state.

35. Ohio
> Metro area: Springfield
> Life expectancy: 75.5 years
> Obesity rate: 30.1%
> Poverty rate: 18.4%

All metro areas in Ohio have relatively short life expectancies, none surpassing the national average of 78.5 years. The Springfield metro area’s life expectancy of just 75.5 years is the shortest in Ohio and among the lowest in the nation. Relatively unhealthy behavior may contribute to the short life expectancy. Springfield’s adult smoking rate of 28.4% is nearly the highest in the country — second only to Lawton, Oklahoma — and certainly the highest in Ohio. Low incomes, which factor significantly into the health of a population, may also contribute to shorter life expectancy. The typical household in Springfield makes $41,729 a year, the second lowest median household income of any Ohio metro area.

36. Oklahoma
> Metro area: Lawton
> Life expectancy: 75.1 years
> Obesity rate: 33.5%
> Poverty rate: 18.2%

Lawton has the shortest life expectancy in one of the least healthy states by many measures of general health. The average Lawton resident is expected to live for just 75.1 years, far less than the 78.5 years the average American is expected to live. Lawton’s short life expectancy is likely due in part to the residents’ unhealthy behaviors. The smoking rate in Lawton is 29.7%, the highest of any metro area in the country. Similarly, only 70.4% of adults exercise regularly, a smaller share than the 77.0% of Americans who do nationwide. Also, 33.5% of Lawton adults are obese, compared to the 27.0% national obesity rate. All of these factors, especially taken together, can have an extremely negative effect on life expectancies.

37. Oregon
> Metro area: Grants Pass
> Life expectancy: 77.4 years
> Obesity rate: 25.9%
> Poverty rate: 19.6%

Of the eight metro areas in Oregon, just two have shorter life expectancies than the national life expectancy of 78.5 years. In Grants Pass, residents are expected to live for just 77.4 years, the shortest in the state. Shorter life expectancies often coincide with lower incomes and unhealthy behavior. The typical household in Grants Pass makes $36,870 a year, the least of any metro in the state and nearly the least in the nation. Similarly, adults in only one other Oregon metro area, Albany, are less likely than Grants Pass residents to exercise regularly. Just 80.3% of Grants Pass adults have a regular exercise habit, a smaller share than the 83.9% of Oregon residents who do.

38. Pennsylvania
> Metro area: Johnstown
> Life expectancy: 77.1 years
> Obesity rate: 31.9%
> Poverty rate: 15.4%

Overall, the average Pennsylvania resident is expected to live about as long as the average American. Of the 18 metro areas in the state, 10 have higher life expectancies than the 78.5 year national average. With a life expectancy of 77.1 years, however, Johnstown residents are expected to have the shortest lives of any metro area in Pennsylvania. Shorter life expectancy may be partially due to relatively unhealthy behavior. Just 71.9% of the Johnstown adult population exercises regularly, a smaller share than the 75.8% of Pennsylvanians who do.

39. Rhode Island
> Metro area: Providence-Warwick
> Life expectancy: 79.1 years
> Obesity rate: 27.0%
> Poverty rate: 13.6%

The Providence-Warwick metro area is the only metro area in Rhode Island and has the shortest life expectancy in the state by default. It also has the longest life expectancy by default. The city’s 79.1 life expectancy is identical to that of Rhode Island as a whole and slightly higher than the 78.5 year national life expectancy. Relatively low poverty in Providence-Warwick may have contributed to its higher life expectancy. The poverty rate in the metro area of 13.6% is lower than both the 14.3% poverty rate across Rhode Island and the 15.5% national poverty rate overall.

40. South Carolina
> Metro area: Florence
> Life expectancy: 73.8 years
> Obesity rate: 36.0%
> Poverty rate: 21.1%

South Carolina is not a particularly healthy state. Of the state’s eight metro areas, just one has a longer life expectancy than the 78.5 year national average. In Florence, the metro area with the shortest life expectancy in the state and nearly the nation, residents are expected to live for just 73.8 years. Like most cities with low life expectancies, a large share of the Florence’s residents are obese. The metro area’s 36.0% obesity rate is significantly higher than the 27.0% national obesity rate. Poverty is a major factor contributing to obesity and worse health overall, and Florence metro area residents are quite poor. The 21.1% of residents who live in poverty comprise a much larger share than the 15.5% of Americans who do nationwide.

41. South Dakota
> Metro area: Rapid City
> Life expectancy: 79.1 years
> Obesity rate: 27.5%
> Poverty rate: 11.9%

Of South Dakota’s two metro areas, Rapid City has the shortest life expectancy. Despite having the shortest life expectancy in the state, Rapid City residents are still expected to live 79.1 years — longer than the average American, whose life expectancy is 78.5 years. Despite the city’s relatively long life expectancy, not all residents in the area are expected to live so long. Residents of Custer County for example, one of the three counties that comprise the Rapid City metro area, are expected to live for just 73.6 years on average, nearly 5 years shorter than the residents of nearby Pennington County.

42. Tennessee
> Metro area: Morristown
> Life expectancy: 75.1 years
> Obesity rate: 35.1%
> Poverty rate: 22.3%

Tennessee is a relatively unhealthy state, and not one of its 10 metro areas has a higher life expectancy than the U.S. overall. The Morristown metro area’s 75.1 year life expectancy is the lowest in the state and far shorter than the national life expectancy of 78.5 years. As in many cities with low life expectancies, the Morristown metro area has a high obesity rate. The city’s 35.1% obesity rate is much higher than the 27.0% national obesity rate. Poverty can heavily contribute to obesity and worse health overall, and Morristown metro area residents are quite poor. The 22.3% of the city’s population that lives in poverty is a far higher share than the 15.5% who do nationwide.

43. Texas
> Metro area: Texarkana
> Life expectancy: 75.0 years
> Obesity rate: 33.6%
> Poverty rate: 20.0%

The Texarkana metro area’s life expectancy of just 75.0 years is the shortest among Texas urban areas and among the lowest in the nation. Texarkana metro area adults are among the least likely Americans to be physically active on a regular basis. Just 68.6% of the population exercises regularly compared to 76.6% of Texas residents. People in the city are also among the most likely Americans to smoke and be obese. All of these factors, especially taken together, can have an extremely negative effect on life expectancies.

44. Utah
> Metro area: Salt Lake City
> Life expectancy: 79.3 years
> Obesity rate: 25.0%
> Poverty rate: 11.4%

Residents of Salt Lake City are expected to have the shortest lives in a state with a relatively high life expectancy. Utah’s 79.7 year life expectancy is the ninth highest of any state. While Salt Lake City’s 79.3 year life expectancy is the shortest in the state, it is still higher than the national life expectancy of 78.5 years. The city’s relatively high prevalence of smoking compared to other cities in the state may contribute to its shorter life expectancy. Of Salt Lake City’s adult population, 11.3% smoke, the highest share in Utah.

45. Vermont
> Metro area: Burlington-South Burlington
> Life expectancy: 80.6 years
> Obesity rate: 23.0%
> Poverty rate: 10.4%

The South Burlington metro area is the only metro area in Vermont, so it has both the state’s shortest and longest life expectancies. The metro area’s 80.6 year life expectancy is actually a year longer than the 79.5 year life expectancy across Vermont and two years longer than the 78.5 year national life expectancy. Not surprisingly, metro area residents are less likely to smoke or be obese than Vermont and U.S. residents overall. Just 13.1% of Burlington-South Burlington residents smoke, and just 23.0% are obese. By comparison, the national smoking and obesity rates are 20.0% and 27.0%, respectively. Similarly, just 4.0% of metro area residents are without health insurance, the sixth lowest uninsured rate of any urban area nationwide.

46. Virginia
> Metro area: Roanoke
> Life expectancy: 77.1 years
> Obesity rate: 30.7%
> Poverty rate: 14.3%

The average Virginian is expected to live for 78.5 years, the same life expectancy as the average American. In Roanoke, however, life expectancy is just 77.1 years, the shortest of the state’s nine metro areas. Like most cities with lower life expectancies, the Roanoke metro area has a relatively high obesity rate. At 30.7%, the share of Roanoke adults considered obese is higher than the 27.0% national obesity rate. Lower life expectancy often coincides with lower income, and Roanoke is no exception. The typical Roanoke household makes $51,318 a year, about $14,000 less than the $64,902 median household income statewide.

47. Washington
> Metro area: Longview
> Life expectancy: 77.2 years
> Obesity rate: 34.6%
> Poverty rate: 22.5%

The Longview metro area’s life expectancy is just 77.2 years, the shortest among Washington’s 11 urban areas, and less than the national life expectancy of 78.5 years. As in most cities with the lowest life expectancies, Longview metro area residents are more likely than most Americans to be obese, physically inactive, and smoke. The obesity rate in Longview is 34.6%, significantly higher than the 27.0% national obesity rate. Poverty, which often coincides with lower life expectancy, is widespread in Longview. While 13.2% of Washington residents live below the poverty line, 22.5% of Longview residents do — the highest poverty rate in the state.

48. West Virginia
> Metro area: Beckley
> Life expectancy: 73.4 years
> Obesity rate: 34.5%
> Poverty rate: 17.4%

The Beckley metro area’s life expectancy is just 73.4 years, the lowest in West Virginia and almost five years shorter than the national life expectancy. Residents of only one other metro area in the country — Gadsden, Alabama — are expected to have shorter lifespans on average. Low life expectancy is likely due to unhealthy behavior among Beckley adults. Just 64.0% of the Beckley population exercises regularly, the smallest share of any U.S. metro area. People in the city are also both among the most likely Americans to smoke and be obese. Unhealthy behavior often coincides with low income. The typical Beckley household makes $39,498 a year, the lowest median household income in the state.

49. Wisconsin
> Metro area: Janesville-Beloit
> Life expectancy: 78.5 years
> Obesity rate: 33.6%
> Poverty rate: 15.6%

Although Janesville-Beloit metro area’s 78.5 year life expectancy is the same as the national life expectancy, it is still the shortest of Wisconsin’s 12 metro areas. By many measures of general health, Janesville-Beloit residents exhibit the least healthy behavior of any urban area in Wisconsin. In the Janesville-Beloit metro, 33.6% of adults are obese and 23.3% smoke — both the highest such rates in the state. Poverty is a major factor contributing to obesity and to poorer health overall, and Janesville-Beloit metro area residents are quite poor. Nearly 15.6% of the city’s population lives in poverty, the highest poverty rate of any metro area in Wisconsin.

50. Wyoming
> Metro area: Casper
> Life expectancy: 77.0 years
> Obesity rate: 27.1%
> Poverty rate: 9.3%

By many measures of general health, Casper residents are the least healthy in an otherwise healthy state. Casper metro area residents are generally more likely than most Americans to be smokers, obese, and physically inactive. Additionally, just 86.3% of Casper adults have health insurance, the lowest insurance coverage among Wyoming’s two metro areas. Perhaps as a result, Casper residents are expected to celebrate just 77 birthdays in their lifetimes, the shortest among Wyoming’s two urban areas, and one of the lower life expectancies in the nation.

Click here to see the cities with the longest life expectancy in every state.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.