Bergen County residents have the longest life expectancy in New Jersey.

The One Unique Place In New Jersey Where People Live The Longest.
Life expectancy varies greatly depending on where in the world you live. Japan has the highest life expectancy with an average of 83.7 years; Sierra Leone has the lowest life expectancy with an average of 50.1 years. The average life expectancy in the United States is approximately 79.3, according to a 2015 report. However, this number is not consistent across the country. Hawaii residents live an average of 81.3 years; Mississippi residents live an average of 75. Us New Jerseyans have a good shot of living to be eighty, or older, especially if we reside in Bergen County. 

With an average lifespan of 82.47 years, they also have one of the longest life expectancies of any county on the East Coast. Why is this the case? A variety of factors play a role including quality of life, access to healthcare services, median income, fitness levels, and a high percentage of Asian American residents. The average life expectancy for an Asian American in Bergen County is 91.1 years. This is actually quite exceptional, even when compared to the life expectancy of Asian Americans elsewhere in the country. It was the highest average researchers found anywhere in the country for any racial subgroup in a county with a large enough number of deaths to be considered statistically significant. Perhaps the fountain of youth is hidden somewhere in the northwest corner of the Garden State?​

Other counties to rank low in life expectancy include Salem (76.9), Atlantic (77.7), Cape May (78.1), and Camden (78.1). Nine New Jersey counties had average life expectancies of over 80 years including the aforementioned Bergen County (82.47), Hunterdon (82.45), Morris (82), Somerset (81.9), Middlesex (81.2), Union (80.4), Hudson (80.3), Warren (80.2), and Monmouth (80.2).

​Looking to increase your own life expectancy?

New Jersey offers plenty of ways to improve your health and fitness levels. I'd start by taking a hike! Spring is on the way and we have so many gorgeous trails in the Garden State. Check out this list for a few easy hiking trails in New Jersey to start with. Joining a gym is another option. The New Jersey/New York based chain, Blink Fitness, was recently named one of the most innovative gyms in the country. Everything from the music to the color scheme is chosen to enhance your exercise experience. Memberships start as low as $15/$20 and locations include Clifton, Jersey City, Paramus, Parsippany, Perth Amboy, and Willingboro, among others.

Diet also plays a major role in our overall well being. Check out Natural Way Café in Fair Lawn for organic groceries or Healthy Garden in Piscataway for natural café fare and good for you gourmet pizza. If you're into the vegan scene, check out Veganized in New Brunswick, Veggie Heaven (multiple locations), Greens and Grains in Galloway, Heart Beet Kitchen in Westmont, or Positivitea in Verona. Juice bars are also a fun way to pack in vitamins! Some of New Jersey's best include Arlee’s Raw Blends in Princeton and Simply Juiced in Hoboken. Did any of these statistics surprise you? Are you a proud Bergenite? Even if you don’t live in Bergen County, keep in mind that New Jersey overall still has the eighth highest life expectancy in the nation, so we’re pretty lucky. And remember, we can always be healthier! For another trail worth trying, check out this New Jersey hike, ranked among the most beautiful in the country.

This article first appeared on "Only in your state" written by Kristen