Want to Live Longer? Live in Buckhead's 30305

(Image: University of Virginia)

A new study from the University of Virginia shows Buckhead’s 30309 zip code has metro Atlanta’s longest life expectancy.

Of the 26 Atlanta-area zip codes studied, residents in 30309 have an average life expectancy of 84.

Another Buckhead zip, 30309, along with Brookhaven’s 30319, have a life expectancy of 83.

Virginia Highland’s 30306, along with 30327, which includes portions of Buckhead and Vinings, have average life expectancies of 82 years.

Atlanta zip codes with the lowest life expectancies are 30310 (Cascade and southwest Atlanta), 30314 (Bankhead and Atlanta University Center), and 30354 (Hapeville and College Park), all with a life expectancy of 71 years.

The university’s Center on Society and Health created a series of maps that prominently display life expectancy values alongside common geographic landmarks such as subway stops and highway exits. The maps illustrate the vastly different health outcomes experienced by Americans living just a few miles apart and serve as a conversation starter about the social determinants of health.

Population data were calculated using a weighted average of 2000 and 2010 data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau. Death count data were obtained from the Public Health Information Portal at the Georgia Department of Public Health. The most recently available years of death data (2003 to 2012) were aggregated into age groups.

The death and population counts for age groups with zero deaths were replaced with the corresponding county death and population counts.

Here’s metro Atlanta’s breakdown:

• 30305 -- 84
• 30306 -- 83
• 30307 -- 79
• 30308 -- 78
• 30309 -- 82
• 30310 -- 71
• 30311 -- 72
• 30312 -- 74
• 30314 -- 71
• 30315 -- 72
• 30316 -- 73
• 30317 -- 73
• 30318 -- 72
• 30319 -- 82
• 30324 -- 81
• 30327 -- 83
• 30331 -- 75
• 30342 -- 81
• 30354 -- 71