Population Demographics

Connecticut has a population of 3.57 million residents, ranking 29th nationally. The state experienced a 0.2% population decrease between 2010 and 2019, making it one of only four states (along with West Virginia, Illinois, and Vermont) to lose population during this period.

With a median age of 41.2 years, Connecticut ranks as the 7th oldest state. The state has the 7th lowest fertility rate nationally at 51.1 births per 1,000 women of childbearing age, and ranks as the 3rd most densely populated state at 734.92 people per square mile.

Outstanding Health Performance

Connecticut demonstrates exceptional health outcomes compared to other states:

• Life Expectancy: 5th highest nationally at 80.4 years
• Age-Adjusted Mortality: 5th lowest in the nation
• Female Life Expectancy: 3rd highest in the U.S.
• Stroke Deaths: 2nd lowest rate nationally
• Diabetes Deaths: 3rd lowest rate (48th rank)
• Alzheimer’s Deaths: 4th lowest rate (47th rank)
• Workplace Safety: Safest state to work with only 1.4 deaths per 100,000 workers

Drug Overdose Crisis

Despite Connecticut’s overall excellent health rankings, the state faces a significant drug overdose crisis, ranking 6th highest nationally with 34.7 deaths per 100,000 residents. This represents over 1,200 deaths annually and stands as a major public health challenge requiring continued intervention efforts.

Accidental Death Concerns

Connecticut’s accidental death rate is approximately 20% above the national average. The state has specific challenges with:

• Choking Deaths: Highest rate nationally at 3.3 per 100,000
• Accidental Poisoning: 33.2 per 100,000 (5th highest)
• Lead Risk Housing: 5th worst state for residential lead risk

Low Violence Rates

Connecticut maintains very low rates of violence and maintains excellent safety records:

• Homicide Rate: 12th lowest nationally at 3.1 per 100,000
• Suicide Rate: 9th lowest nationally
• Firearm Deaths: 6th lowest overall firearm mortality rate
• Workplace Safety: Nation’s safest workplace environment

Pandemic Impact

Connecticut experienced significant COVID-19 mortality during the early pandemic. In 2020, the state recorded 112.9 COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 population, ranking 7th highest nationally. This rate was approximately 14% below the state’s cancer mortality rate, indicating the substantial impact of the pandemic.

By August 2021, Connecticut’s COVID death rate had increased to 233 per 100,000, ranking 9th highest in the nation. The state’s dense population and early exposure contributed to these elevated rates during the initial waves of the pandemic.

Life Insurance Considerations

Due to Connecticut’s generally excellent health outcomes, we at IBUSA typically try to help Connecticut applicants first qualify for life insurance without an exam if eligible.

If that type of coverage is not available, fully underwritten coverage from a top life insurance company may be the better route.

Finally, for those who are having difficulty finding coverage, final expense burial insurance is the next option to consider.

Given Connecticut’s elevated accidental death rate, we often recommend that our clients at least consider purchasing an additional accidental death policy as a way to supplement any traditional life insurance coverage they may already have.

Healthy Lifestyle Indicators

Connecticut residents demonstrate healthy lifestyle choices that contribute to the state’s excellent health outcomes:

• Low Smoking Rate: 4th lowest nationally at 12.2% of adults
• Low Respiratory Disease: 4th lowest rate of chronic respiratory illness deaths
• Active Population: Higher-than-average physical activity levels
• Healthcare Access: Excellent healthcare infrastructure and access

Summary: Connecticut’s Health Profile

Connecticut represents a state with exceptional overall health outcomes, ranking among the top five states for life expectancy and age-adjusted mortality. The state’s residents benefit from low rates of traditional chronic diseases, excellent workplace safety, and minimal violence.

However, Connecticut faces modern challenges including a serious drug overdose crisis and elevated accidental death rates. The state’s dense, aging population experienced significant COVID-19 impacts during the early pandemic but has maintained its position as one of the healthiest states in America.

Data Sources

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service (citing U.S. Census Bureau, 2019)

Statista, Population Density in the U.S. by Federal States (2020)

StatsAmerica (Indiana Business Research Center), Median Age in 2019

CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, State & Territorial Data (2018-2019)

Kaiser Family Foundation, Number of Deaths per 100,000 Population (2019)

CDC, State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation System (2018)

CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, Life Expectancy at Birth by State (2018)

CDC, Provisional Death Rates for COVID-19 (2020)

National Safety Council, State Overview Table (2019)

United Health Foundation, America’s Health Rankings, 2020 Annual Report: Connecticut

National Safety Council, Work Deaths by State (2019)