Objective
To explore state patterns in the racial life expectancy gap.
Data Sources
The 1997–2004 Multiple Cause of Death PUF, 2000 U.S. Census.
Study Design
We calculated life expectancy at birth for black and white men and women.
Data Extraction Methods
Data were obtained by the NCHS and U.S. Census Bureau.
Principal Findings
States with small racial differences are due to higher-than-expected life expectancy for blacks or lower-than-expected for whites. States with large disparity are explained by higher-than-average life expectancy among whites or lower-than-average life expectancy among blacks.
Conclusions
Heterogeneous state patterns in racial disparity in life expectancy exist. Eliminating disparity in states with large black populations would make the greatest impact nationally.