The average life expectancy in Chicago has returned to near pre-pandemic levels, according to recently released data from the city’s Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Breaking down the data
Chicago’s life expectancy hit 78.7 years in 2023, nearly recouping the city’s highest-ever average of 78.8 recorded in 2019.
At the dawn of the pandemic in 2020, the Windy City’s life expectancy plummeted to 75.2 years, driven largely by premature deaths due to COVID-19.
The 2023 life expectancy estimate represents roughly a 4.7% increase from 2020.
The data shows that life expectancy increased for Chicagoans across all demographics, with Black and Latino Chicagoans seeing post-pandemic increases of 6.1% and 5.8% respectively.
“The significant gains we’ve made in life expectancy are the result of years of coordinated efforts across the city,” said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige.
Ige attributed the near-elimination of COVID-19 deaths as a key factor in increasing life expectancy across the board.
“These improvements, along with community initiatives…are helping close the gap and improve health outcomes citywide.”
Chicago’s demographic life expectancy gap and 2025 initiative
In light of recent gains, Chicago public health officials are grappling with a 10.6-year life expectancy gap between Black and non-Black residents, according to the CDPH.
This gap is reportedly driven by prevalence of chronic illness, infant and maternal health, mental wellness, among other factors.
The CDPH has launched the Healthy Chicago 2025 Strategic Plan which seeks to address the disparity through targeted outreach and public health initiatives.
Chicagoans can stay up to date on local public health information through the Healthy Chicago Newsletter and Podcast. Click here for additional information on the 2025 CDPH health strategy.