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Tuesday, Aug 18, 2026

Is Oklahoma among the states with the shortest life expectancies for women?

Matthew Yim, Oklahoma Watch
yes

Oklahoma has the 48th highest female life expectancy among the states and the District of Columbia at 76.5 years, according to the most recently available state-by-state federal report.

The life expectancy for women in Oklahoma is 3.7 years less than the 2022 national average of 80.2 years.

On average, women live longer than men due to biological, behavioral, and social factors. For example, men are more likely to die from heart disease and suicide.

The male life expectancy in Oklahoma is the 44th highest at 71.3 years, bringing the state’s average across both sexes to No. 45 at 73.8 years – 3.7 years less than the national average.

The national life expectancy in 2024 increased to 79 years. COVID-19, which was the 4th leading cause of death in 2022, dropped to No.15. Heart disease and cancer remained the top leading causes

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