New Michigan Life Expectancy Numbers Released

The CDC released its new life expectancy numbers late last week, with the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics looking at residents' life expectancies in each state. It's kind of a depressing thing to think about, but regardless, it's interesting to look at the average life expectancy in each state, including Michigan, and compare us to other states across America.

Before we get to Michigan, let's look at national numbers. The national average of life expectancy is 78.8 years. According to the new numbers, residents in the South have the lowest life expectancy numbers. For example, the average life expectancy in Mississippi was 74.4 years, which is more than four years below the national average.

So, where is Michigan? It appears Michigan is around the middle of the states, ranking 35th in America, so not a great number, but not terrible. The state's average life expectancy is 78 years old, less than a year under the national average. Looking at the difference between males and females in Michigan, the life expectancy differed by 4.7, with male life expectancy at 75.6 and female life expectancy at 80.3. Michigan was ahead of two other midwestern states, Indiana and Ohio. Michigan also came in at No. 35 in life expectancy after the age of 65, according to the CDC.

The states with the lowest life expectancy numbers overall, according to the CDC, included the aforementioned Mississippi, as well as West Virginia, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, South Carolina and Ohio. Residents of Hawaii had the highest life expectancy in the U.S. at 80.9 years, with women coming in at 83.9 years, followed by California. Other states with high life expectancies included New York, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, Washington state, Colorado and Vermont. According to the new report, life expectancy went up for women in all states. Find the full report from the CDC here.

There's something inherently charming about Michigan. I've lived in this state for almost my whole life, and I personally think it's a great place to live, whether you're raising a family or living the single life. The only thing I don't love about Michigan is the kind of winter we get, with lots of snow and ice, but many people find the winter months the most refreshing time to be in the Mitten.

If you've never ventured around Michigan, the road-tripping season is coming up, so now is a perfect time to plan where you're going to visit. Now, we have a list of the 10 most charming towns in Michigan, thanks to WorldAtlas.com.

The crew at WorldAtlas.com has put out a new list of the most charming spots in the Mitten, and they note that we're known for our Great Lakes. "The U.S. State of Michigan is known for its demanded location on the Great Lakes, with many charming towns sitting right on the banks," they state. "Visiting one of these towns will comprise the coziest experience in town and great outdoor adventures for a getaway to remember forever after. With rich forests for hiking and ample water for wet pursuits, these charming towns call out as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city into the quaint natural setting with all the comforts. There, one will find endless exploration to the pursuit while recharging with nature’s powers for a strong comeback into the everyday being."

So, what are the most charming towns in Michigan- ones that you should get on your list of spots to visit this summer? Read on for the full list, and find more information at WorldAtlas.com. I've been to most of the towns on this list, except for the ones in the U.P. I can't wait to venture up there to visit these place hopefully sometime soon.

Of course the home of the University of Michigan would be on this list!

The U.P. town is super charming. I have a cousin who lives up there, and she loves it.

Who doesn't love this Christmas center of the world?

This is a beautiful spot near Lake Michigan.

Ludington is filled with beautiful lighthouses and more Lake Michigan fun.

One of the U.P.'s most popular destinations.

Munising is a beautiful spot for hikers.

Another U.P. gem is Petoskey.

Saugatuck is a quaint tourist town with plenty of great seasonal shops.

South Haven offers a beautiful beach and more.