New official statistics have exposed a dramatic postcode lottery in life expectancy across the West Midlands, with a gap of nearly five years separating the highest and lowest areas for men.
A Tale of Two Boroughs
The data, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), reveals that Bromsgrove in Worcestershire boasts the highest average life expectancy in the region for both men and women. In stark contrast, the borough of Sandwell, located just 14 miles away, records the lowest life expectancy for men, creating a significant five-year disparity between the neighbouring areas.
Men's Life Expectancy: A Stark Divide
The figures show a particularly pronounced inequality for men. On average, men in Bromsgrove live to 81.6 years, while their counterparts in Sandwell have an average life expectancy of just 76.8 years—a difference of 4.8 years. This represents the greatest contrast found within the West Midlands region.
Top 5 Areas for Men's Life Expectancy:
- Bromsgrove: 81.6 years
- Shropshire: 81.0 years
- Lichfield: 80.9 years
- Solihull: 80.8 years
- South Staffordshire: 79.6 years
Bottom 5 Areas for Men's Life Expectancy:
- Sandwell: 76.8 years (lowest)
- Wolverhampton: 76.8 years
- Coventry: 77.2 years
- Walsall: 77.3 years
- Birmingham: 77.4 years
Women's Life Expectancy: A Smaller but Significant Gap
While the gap is less extreme for women, it remains substantial. Women in Bromsgrove enjoy the highest life expectancy at 84.9 years, whereas women in Wolverhampton have the lowest at 81.3 years—a difference of 3.6 years. Sandwell also features near the bottom of the table for women, with an average life expectancy of 81.4 years.
Top 5 Areas for Women's Life Expectancy:
- Bromsgrove: 84.9 years
- Lichfield: 84.8 years
- South Staffordshire: 84.5 years
- Solihull: 84.3 years
- Shropshire: 84.3 years
Bottom 5 Areas for Women's Life Expectancy:
- Wolverhampton: 81.3 years (lowest)
- Sandwell: 81.4 years
- Coventry: 81.7 years
- Walsall: 81.8 years
- Birmingham: 82.2 years
Understanding the Health Inequality
These statistics highlight profound and persistent health inequalities within the West Midlands. The close geographical proximity of areas with vastly different life expectancies, such as Bromsgrove and Sandwell, underscores how factors beyond mere location—including socioeconomic conditions, access to healthcare, and environmental quality—can dramatically impact longevity.
The data serves as a crucial reminder of the work needed to address the underlying determinants of health across the region, aiming to close this unacceptable gap in life chances.
