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US vs Canada Life expectancy
Canada has held the lead throughout the published window. In 1960 United States stood at roughly 98% of Canada’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 96%, and the pair was closest in 1975 (99%).
| Year | United States | Canada | Canada as % of US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 71.13 | 69.77 | 98% |
| 1970 | 72.7 | 70.81 | 97% |
| 1980 | 75.1 | 73.61 | 98% |
| 1990 | 77.44 | 75.21 | 97% |
| 2000 | 79.17 | 76.64 | 97% |
| 2010 | 81.32 | 78.54 | 97% |
| 2020 | 81.53 | 76.98 | 94% |
| 2024 | 82.11 | 78.89 | 96% |
Frequently asked questions
When did Canada pass United States in Life expectancy?
It has not come to that. Canada has posted the larger Life expectancy in every published year (1960–2024).
How do United States and Canada compare today?
Canada is ahead: 82.11 against 78.89 — the trailing economy stands at about 96% of the leader.
Are these Life expectancy figures nominal or adjusted?
They are exactly as the World Bank publishes them — years — with no interpolation or estimation for missing years.
Full series
Every published year for both economies, with charts, downloads and citations: