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US vs UK Life expectancy
United Kingdom overtook United States in 1976. In 1960 United States stood at roughly 98% of United Kingdom’s Life expectancy; today the figure is about 97%, and the pair was closest in 1981 (100%).
| Year | United States | United Kingdom | UK as % of US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 | 71.13 | 69.77 | 98% |
| 1970 | 71.97 | 70.81 | 98% |
| 1980 | 73.68 | 73.61 | 100% |
| 1990 | 75.88 | 75.21 | 99% |
| 2000 | 77.74 | 76.64 | 99% |
| 2010 | 80.4 | 78.54 | 98% |
| 2020 | 80.33 | 76.98 | 96% |
| 2024 | 81.39 | 78.89 | 97% |
Frequently asked questions
When did United Kingdom pass United States in Life expectancy?
In 1976. United Kingdom’s published Life expectancy rose above United States’s that year and the lead has held since.
How do United States and United Kingdom compare today?
United Kingdom is ahead: 81.39 against 78.89 — the trailing economy stands at about 97% 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: