Coronado residents had the highest average life expectancy at 87.2 years, while Lemon Grove residents had the lowest at 78.7 years. <\/p>\n
SAN DIEGO \u2014 A new San Diego County study reveals that while residents are living longer overall, life expectancy varies dramatically depending on where you live in the region, with some San Diegans likely to live as much as eight-and-a-half years longer than others based solely on their location.<\/p>\n
The study, using the most recently available data, found that life expectancy for a baby born in San Diego County in 2024 is 81.5 years, a significant increase from 77 years for a baby born in 1990. However, when broken down by specific areas, the disparities are striking.<\/p>\n
Coronado tops the county’s life expectancy rankings at an average of 87.2 years. Community activities and walkability contribute to residents’ longevity in the affluent island neighborhood.<\/p>\n
“I think that Coronado has a lot to offer – and that’s probably why,” said Coronado resident Kim Lujan. She attributed the longevity to staying active. “There’s a lot to do, and it keeps people busy. And that’s what you need in life; you need to keep busy.”<\/p>\n
Coronado resident Kathy Beaton, who is almost 75 years old, credits the area’s recreational opportunities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“We got the beach, we got the bay, so there’s just a lot to do, and you want to be out doing it,” Beaton told CBS 8.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She added that her social circle shares the same outlook.<\/p>\n
“My friends and I, we all talk about being out and about and doing things, so I think that goes with it,” Beaton said.<\/p>\n
Paul Gyapay highlighted the island’s walkability as a contributing factor.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I walk everywhere or ride my bike everywhere, and I don’t leave the island a lot, I really don’t,” he said.<\/p>\n
University City, San Dieguito, North San Diego, and Del Mar\/Mira Mesa rank among the county’s highest life expectancy areas. The county’s report identifies access to health care and housing, economic opportunity, and level of exercise as key factors influencing longevity.<\/p>\n
Geographic disparities in life expectancy become starkly apparent in lower-income neighborhoods. Just about 13 miles away from Coronado, Lemon Grove has the lowest life expectancy in the county at just under 79 years. A fatal drug overdose rate that was almost double the county average in 2024 partly accounts for the city’s lower life expectancy, while the county’s overall rate was on the decline.<\/p>\n
Lemon Grove resident Rose Owen expressed little surprise at the statistics.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It doesn’t surprise me one bit, because I’ve seen it happen on my block,” Owen told CBS 8.<\/p>\n
Environmental factors may also contribute to the disparity among residents.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Pollution from the exhaust from cars, I believe that is bringing life expectancy down,” said Lemon Grove resident Yahsimi Dehyah.<\/p>\n
Lakeside, Alpine and Southeastern San Diego also rank among the areas with the lowest life expectancy county-wide.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Despite living in an area with a lower life expectancy, Owen believes attitude plays a crucial role in longevity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“I’m always happy. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to be happy?” she said.<\/p>\n