In most Western Kentucky counties, life expectancy hovers near the state average. But according to the Russellville News-Democrat Leader Health News writer, Danielle Ray, a closer look at each county shows deeper differences in health outcomes and the factors that drive them. Ray says that according to health researchers, life expectancy is driven by a complex web of factors that influence health — opportunities for education and jobs, safe and affordable housing, availability of nutritious food and places for physical activity, and access to health care, child care and social services. The statewide life expectancy is 76 years. Several Western Kentucky counties share that figure including Trigg, Lyon, Marshall, McCracken, Graves, Carlisle and Hickman. Calloway County leads Western Kentucky with a life expectancy of 78 years, second highest in the state,. Life expectancy is 75 in Todd, Crittenden, Caldwell, Livingston and Ballard counties. Fulton County has the lowest in the west at 73. Oldham County has the highest life expectancy in Kentucky at 79.
