Robust Growth Despite Low Fertility

Washington State has 7.61 million residents, ranking 13th nationally. Between 2010 and 2019, the state experienced the 9th highest growth rate among U.S. states, despite having the nation’s 10th lowest fertility rate.

This growth pattern reflects significant in-migration, likely driven by economic opportunities in technology and other industries. With a median age of 37 years, Washington ranks as the 14th youngest state, contributing to its dynamic population profile.

Elite Health Rankings

Washington demonstrates exceptional health outcomes across multiple categories:

• Overall Mortality: 6th lowest rate nationally (754.8 per 100,000)
• Life Expectancy: 8th highest nationally at 80.0 years
• Elite Longevity: One of only 8 states with life expectancy ≥80 years
• Heart Disease: Among 10 lowest states for mortality (43rd rank)
• Kidney Disease: 2nd lowest rate nationally (49th rank)
• Pneumonia: Among 10 lowest states for mortality (44th rank)

Maternal and Infant Health Excellence

Washington achieves outstanding outcomes for mothers and babies:

• Infant Mortality: 5th lowest nationally at 4.4 per 1,000 live births
• Low Birth Weight: 4th lowest rate nationally
• Preterm Births: 3rd lowest rate nationally

These indicators reflect excellent prenatal care, maternal health, and healthcare system performance.

Alzheimer’s Disease Challenge

Despite Washington’s excellent overall health profile, the state faces a significant challenge with Alzheimer’s disease, ranking as the 3rd highest nationally. Alzheimer’s is the 3rd leading cause of death in Washington, which is unusual among states.

This elevated rate may reflect the state’s older adult population growth, better diagnostic capabilities, or environmental factors that require further investigation. The high Alzheimer’s rate stands out as a notable exception in Washington’s otherwise exemplary health outcomes.

Exceptional Lifestyle Choices

Washington residents demonstrate some of the healthiest lifestyle behaviors in the nation:

• Smoking Rate: 3rd lowest nationally at 12.0% (behind only Utah and California)
• Obesity Rate: 10th lowest nationally

These healthy lifestyle choices contribute significantly to Washington’s excellent chronic disease prevention and overall mortality outcomes.

Outstanding Workplace Safety

Washington demonstrates exceptional workplace safety performance:

• Overall Workplace Safety: 5th safest nationally
• Regional Leadership: Safest state for workers outside the Northeast
• Death Rate: Only 2.3 deaths per 100,000 workers

This excellent workplace safety record reflects strong regulatory oversight, safety culture, and industry practices in Washington’s diverse economy.

Violence and Substance Use

Washington maintains moderate performance in violence and substance-related mortality:

• Homicide Rate: 35th nationally (moderate level)
• Suicide Rate: 27th nationally (moderate level)
• Drug Overdose: 35th nationally (better than average)

While not exceptional, these rates are generally better than or close to national averages.

Early Pandemic Leader

Despite being one of the first states to experience COVID-19, Washington demonstrated exceptional pandemic response and achieved the 7th lowest rate of COVID deaths through July 2021.

This outstanding performance reflects effective public health measures, strong healthcare systems, and community cooperation despite facing the challenge of being an early epicenter of the pandemic in the United States.

Life Insurance Considerations

Given the relative health of Washington’s population, many residents will likely be able to qualify for a no exam term life insurance policy.

For those that won’t be able to qualify for such a policy, fully underwritten life insurance and guaranteed issue life insurance may still be an option.

A Model for Healthy Living

Washington State represents a model for combining economic growth with exceptional health outcomes. The state’s success stems from multiple factors working in synergy:

Environmental Advantages: Clean air, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, and generally favorable climate contribute to physical health and mental wellbeing.

Economic Prosperity: Strong tech sector and diverse economy provide resources for healthcare access and healthy lifestyle choices.

Health-Conscious Culture: Very low smoking rates and obesity levels reflect a population committed to healthy behaviors.

Quality Healthcare: Excellent maternal and infant health outcomes demonstrate high-quality healthcare systems.

Future Health Challenges

While Washington’s health profile is outstanding, the state faces some emerging challenges:

Alzheimer’s Disease: The exceptionally high rate requires research attention and specialized care infrastructure development.

Population Growth Pressures: Rapid growth may strain healthcare systems and environmental quality that contribute to current health advantages.

Cost of Living: High housing and living costs may impact health equity and access to healthy lifestyle choices for some residents.

Summary: Washington’s Health Profile

Washington State stands among America’s healthiest states, combining excellent chronic disease prevention, outstanding maternal and infant health, exceptional workplace safety, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. The state’s rapid population growth reflects its attractiveness as a place to live and work.

The primary health challenge—elevated Alzheimer’s disease rates—represents an important area for continued research and intervention. Overall, Washington demonstrates how economic prosperity, environmental quality, health-conscious culture, and effective public health policies can combine to create exceptional population health outcomes.

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)

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

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

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

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

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

Statista, Percentage of Adults with Obesity in the United States (2019)

National Safety Council, Work Deaths by State (2019)