population
health
inequality
Life expectancy inequalities in the South West of England
This data insight describes inequalities in life expectancy at birth in the South West of England. It uses the slope index of inequality to measure differences in average life expectancy between the most and least deprived populations.
The analysis presents trends over time for males and females in the South West and England. It also compares life expectancy inequalities across selected local authorities within the South West for the most recent period.
Life expectancy at birth estimates are based on contemporary mortality rates and summarise inequalities across the full range of deprivation within each area. Estimates are presented as three-year periods to reduce random variation.
The South West region is one of 12 International Territorial Level 1 areas (ITL1) in the UK. It comprises Gloucestershire and Wiltshire; West of England; North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset; Devon; and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.
8.0 years
Life expectancy gap for males in the South West of England, 2021-2023
5.9 years
Life expectancy gap for females in the South West of England, 2021 to 2023.
Life expectancy inequality at birth in the South West and England by sex, 2011-2013 through 2021-2023
This visualisation shows inequalities in life expectancy at birth in the South West and England for males and females between 2011-2013 through 2021-2023.
In the South West, the slope index of inequality for males increased from 7.3 years in 2011-2013 to 8.0 years in 2021-2023. Over the same period, the female inequality gap increased from 5.1 years to 5.9 years.
In England, the inequality gap was larger than in the South West across the period shown. For males, the gap increased from 9.1 years in 2011-2013 to 10.5 years in 2021-2023. For females, it increased from 6.9 years to 8.3 years over the same period.
Figures show the difference in expected years of life between the most and least deprived populations within each area.
Life expectancy inequality at birth by local authority in the South West of England, 2021-2023
This visualisation shows inequalities in life expectancy at birth for males and females across selected local authorities in the South West for 2021 to 2023.
Among males, the life expectancy gap ranged from 4.7 years in Wiltshire to 10.7 years in Bristol. South Gloucestershire recorded a gap of 6.8 years, while Gloucestershire recorded 8.2 years.
Among females, the gap ranged from 3.6 years in Wiltshire to 8.3 years in North Somerset. Bristol recorded a female inequality gap of 7.2 years.
The South West regional average was 8.0 years for males and 5.9 years for females. England recorded higher inequality gaps for both sexes over the same period.
These figures summarise inequalities across the full deprivation range within each area.
