📊 Strong Overall Health Profile

Virginia demonstrates solid health outcomes across most categories with the 17th lowest age-adjusted mortality rate nationally. The state’s life expectancy of 79.1 years ties with Idaho for 19th nationally, reflecting generally effective healthcare systems and lifestyle factors.

With 8.54 million residents (12th highest population), Virginia has experienced steady growth about 5% faster than the national rate between 2010-2019. Despite this growth, the state maintains mortality rates close to or below national averages for most major health-related causes of death.

🚗 Regional Motor Vehicle Safety Leader

Virginia stands out as the Southeast’s safest state for motorists with a vehicle mortality rate of 10.5 per 100,000. The state also ranks as having the 10th lowest rate of deaths due to preventable accidents nationally, with below-average rates for vehicle accidents, falls, and accidental poisoning.

🔫 Low Violence and Self-Harm Rates

Virginia maintains excellent safety records for violent deaths:

• Suicide: 11th lowest rate nationally
• Homicide: 24th lowest rate nationally
• Firearm Deaths: Ties Pennsylvania for 18th lowest (11.7 per 100,000)

These statistics reflect both effective public safety measures and communities with lower rates of violence and mental health crises.

⚠️ Kidney Disease Challenge

The primary area where Virginia’s health outcomes lag is kidney disease mortality, where the state ranks 9th highest nationally at 16.4 deaths per 100,000. This is notably above the national average and represents the state’s most concerning health category.

The elevated kidney disease mortality rate may be related to underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or environmental factors, and represents an area where focused public health interventions could yield significant benefits.

💡 Life Insurance Considerations

Given Virginia’s generally favorable health statistics and low accident rates, residents often qualify for competitive life insurance rates. We at IBUSA typically try to help Virginia applicants first qualify for term life insurance with no exam.

For those that won’t be able to qualify for such policies, getting life insurance with a top company requiring a medical exam is still a viable option.

Given Virginia’s excellent safety record, we often recommend that clients consider purchasing an additional accidental death policy as a way to supplement traditional life insurance coverage at relatively low cost.

🦠 Strong Initial COVID-19 Management

Virginia demonstrated effective pandemic response with a COVID-19 death rate of 57.1 per 100,000 in 2020, tying with West Virginia for 10th lowest nationally. Through August 2021, the rate increased to 136 per 100,000, ranking 13th lowest.

This performance reflects effective public health measures, healthcare system preparedness, and community compliance with safety protocols during the critical early phases of the pandemic.

🌿 Outstanding Environmental Quality

Virginia ranks as the 4th best state in the U.S. for air and water quality. This exceptional environmental health profile contributes to the state’s overall positive health outcomes and helps explain the relatively low rates of respiratory diseases and environmental health issues.

Balanced Population Profile

Virginia’s demographic characteristics reflect a healthy, growing state:

• Population Growth: 5% faster than national average (2010-2019)
• Age Demographics: 38.7 years median age (23rd youngest, tied with Wyoming)
• Fertility Rate: 20th lowest nationally at 57.8 per 1,000 women (tied with North Carolina)
• Population Density: 115.78 per square mile (21st most dense)
• Regional Comparison: Mortality rate nearly identical to nearby Washington, D.C.

The state maintains a younger median age than the national average while experiencing steady population growth, indicating economic vitality and attractive living conditions.

Data Sources

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

Statista, Population Density in the U.S. by Federal States Including District of Columbia (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, National Center for Health Statistics, Life Expectancy at Birth by State (2018)

CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, Fertility Rates by State (2019)

CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, Stats of the States (2021)

National Safety Council, State Overview Table: 2019

CDC, National Center for Health Statistics, Provisional Death Rates for COVID-19 (2020)

New York Times, Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count (Aug. 12, 2021)

National Safety Council, Motor-Vehicle Deaths by State (2019)

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