The wealthier you are, the longer you live. This well-documented reality is becoming even more pronounced. A new study published by France’ Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (Insee) shows that life expectancy gaps between the poorest and wealthiest people in France widened between 2012–2016 and 2020–2024. Behind national averages lies a deep and persistent social divide.
- A study by INSEE shows a widening gap in life expectancy between the poorest and wealthiest French people over the period 2020-2024.
- The gap reaches 13 years for men and 9 years for women, with a striking difference between affluent women and low-income men.
- The risk of mortality is significantly higher among low-income populations from adulthood onwards, due to living conditions and access to healthcare.
- Income significantly improves life expectancy at the lowest levels, but this effect is significantly reduced among the highest income groups.
- These inequalities, both social and territorial, have widened in recent years and pose a major public health challenge.
In France, life expectancy continues to increase, but not everyone benefits equally from this progress. Over the period 2020-2024, the gap in life expectancy at birth between the wealthiest 5% and the poorest 5% will reach 13 years for men and 9 years for women. The poorest men live to an average age of 72, compared with 85 for the richest. Among women, the gap is 80.1 years for the poorest and 88.7 years for the wealthiest.
Even more striking is the fact that women in the most affluent categories live on average 17 years longer than men in the poorest categories. This difference alone sums up the extent of social and gender inequalities in terms of mortality.
Significantly higher mortality risks among lower-income groups
These disparities are visible as early as midlife.
At age 50, the probability of dying within the year is seven times higher for the poorest men compared to the wealthiest. Among women, the mortality ratio peaks at around six times higher at approximately age 55.
These differences reflect the cumulative impact of social conditions over time, including:
- Greater exposure to occupational hazards
- Higher prevalence of chronic illnesses
- Less favorable health behaviors
- Reduced access to healthcare services
Financial hardship also leads some individuals to forgo medical care. Among the poorest 20% of the population, 3.2% report having skipped medical examinations for financial reasons, compared to 1.8% in the overall population.
Income improves life expectancy, but not equally at all levels
Life expectancy rises with income, but the relationship is not linear.
At lower income levels—around €1,200 per month—an additional €100 in monthly income is associated with nearly one extra year of life expectancy.
However, this effect diminishes significantly at higher income levels. Around €3,000 per month, an additional €100 corresponds to only a few additional months of life expectancy.
In other words, income gains have the greatest impact on longevity at the lowest income levels, where social and health vulnerabilities are most concentrated.
A recent widening of the gap
Between 2012–2016 and 2020–2024, the gap in life expectancy widened further.
Over these eight years, average life expectancy increased only slightly: +0.2 years for women and +0.6 years for men
But the situation varies greatly depending on standard of living. Life expectancy among the poorest 25% has declined, while it has continued to increase among the wealthiest groups. This suggests that socially determined causes of death are weighing more heavily than before.
Territorial inequalities in longevity
Inequalities are not only social but also geographical.
At comparable age, gender, and income levels, people tend to live longer in regions such as Pays de la Loire and Occitanie, and shorter lives in regions like Hauts-de-France.
These differences persist even after taking into account income levels, indicating the influence of environmental, cultural, behavioral, and healthcare system factors.
A statistical indicator… but very real inequalities
INSEE points out that life expectancy is a statistical indicator based on fictitious calculations. It does not predict individual lifespan, but it does allow for accurate measurement of mortality differences between the two social groups. From this perspective, the conclusion is clear: inequalities in mortality are not decreasing in France, they are increasing.
Behind these figures, the study highlights a lasting reality: health and longevity are intrinsically linked to living conditions. And at a time when mortality is stagnating for certain generations, the issue of social inequalities in health is more than ever a central public policy challenge.
Published by the Editorial Staff on