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San Diego County residents are living slightly longer, according to new data from the County’s Community Health Statistics Unit. The latest report shows the region’s life expectancy reached 81.5 years, higher than the national average of 79 years, and in line with California’s average of 81.2 years.
A child born in San Diego in 2024 is expected to live to 81.5 years, continuing a long-term trend of improved health outcomes across the county.
Gaps Remain But Most Groups See Improvement
Women in San Diego County continue to live longer than men, averaging 84 compared to 79 years. Among racial and ethnic groups, Asian residents had the longest life expectancy at 87.6 years, while Black residents had the shortest at 75.2 years.
“These numbers represent our region and our many subcommunities throughout San Diego.” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, M.D., M.P.H., County Public Health Officer. “While life expectancy increasing is a trend in the right direction, we continue to see significant disparities across the County by geography, sex, race or ethnicity.”
Where You Live Matters
Coronado recorded the longest life expectancy in the region at 87.2 years. Lemon Grove had the shortest at 78.7 years, an 8.5-year gap between communities.
Cancer Remains Leading Cause of Death
Updated 2024 data shows cancer continues to be the region’s leading cause of death, followed by heart disease, stroke, unintentional injuries, and Alzheimer’s Disease. Stroke moved to the number three position partly because overdose deaths declined.
Residents can explore detailed breakdowns, by age, race, sex, geographic region and more, through the County’s interactive dashboard.
County Public Health continues working to reduce disparities through prevention, education and community partnership with the goal of building healthier, safer communities for all.