16-Year Life Expectancy Gap Separates LA County's Healthiest and Least Healthy Communities

A new county-funded study ranks LA neighborhoods by overall wellbeing, income, education and life expectancy

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new report found that wellbeing and life expectancy vary dramatically across Los Angeles County — with residents in the highest-ranked communities living up to 16 years longer than those in the lowest-ranked ones. The study, funded by LA County, used the American Human Development Index to rank overall wellbeing, as well as life expectancy, earnings and education in the county's neighborhoods, cities and unincorporated areas.

Why it matters

The findings highlight stark disparities in health and economic outcomes across LA County, with the wealthiest and most educated communities enjoying significantly longer lifespans than those in lower-income areas. The report aims to guide county departments and nonprofits in designing programs and allocating resources to address these gaps.

The details

The neighborhood area consisting of Brentwood and Pacific Palisades had the highest HDI value in the county at 9.58, with the second-highest life expectancy at birth (88 years), the sixth-highest education index value (9.61) and sixth-highest median personal earnings ($103,500). In contrast, the Antelope Valley community of Sun Village had the lowest life expectancy at birth: 71.8 years. Residents there had a life expectancy 16 years shorter than in Westwood, which had the county's highest life expectancy (88.1 years). The education index was highest in Westwood (9.91) and lowest in the southeast LA city of Maywood (1.67). Median earnings were highest in Palos Verdes Estates ($120,200) and lowest in Westwood, home to a large population of UCLA students ($19,800).

  • The study's findings were calculated before the January 2025 Palisades Fire, which the authors note has impacted the highest-ranked communities.

The players

Measure of America

The organization that published the study, "A Portrait of Los Angeles County 2026," which was funded in part by LA County.

Dr. Lisa H. Wong

Director of the LA County Department of Mental Health, who said the report will guide the department on how to design programs and allocate resources.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Through this report, we hope to build upon our roadmap and better understand the successes that have allowed us to expand our culturally responsive, community-based services, but also learn where we need to do more work and close gaps in outcomes.”

— Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Director, LA County Department of Mental Health

The takeaway

This study lays bare the stark health and economic divides across LA County, with residents in the wealthiest and most educated communities enjoying significantly longer lifespans than those in lower-income areas. The findings underscore the need for county leaders and nonprofits to target resources and programs to address these disparities and ensure all Angelenos have access to the opportunities and services needed to live long, healthy lives.