Sign in to access your Salford customer account, or see our other accounts.
Sign in or register for an accountLife expectancy at birth for Salford is an estimate of how long a baby born in the city is expected to live if, throughout their life, they experienced the age-specific mortality rates occurring at the time of their birth. However, it is important to realise that this is a snapshot at the time of their birth. Therefore, figures don't represent the actual number of years a baby born in Salford is expected to live. This is because mortality rates in Salford, and elsewhere, are likely to change over time, and many people will move to other places at some point in their lives.
Nevertheless, life expectancy is a key indicator of societal health, reflecting factors such as healthcare access, living conditions, economic stability, and education. Measuring life expectancy is essential because it provides critical insights into the overall well-being of a population and highlights disparities between different areas, communities, or demographic groups.
As of 2021-23 both Salford males and females have significantly lower life expectancy at birth than the England average.
For males the estimate was 76.3 years, 2.8 years less than England. The Salford value was the 8th lowest (of 151) in the country and the 2nd lowest, behind Manchester, in Greater Manchester. Residents of neighbouring Trafford could expect to live 3.1 years longer than Salford males. Trends in male life expectancy in Salford have barely changed in over a decade with the 2009-11 figure statistically similar to 2021-23. However, this was also true in a national context. Between 2009-11 and 2021-23 male life expectancy rose 1.1% in Salford compared to 0.4% across England.
[Download the life expectancy male data (cvs format, 2kb]
For females in Salford, the 2021-23 estimate was 80.9 years, 4.6 years more than male counterparts. This was 2.2 years lower than the England average and 19th lowest in the country. Within Greater Manchester the Salford figure was 4th lowest behind Manchester, Oldham and Tameside. Again, girls in neighbouring Trafford could expect to live 2.7 years longer than Salfordians. Trends in female life expectancy, like males, has not changed in over a decade both nationally and locally. Female life expectancy in Salford in 2021-23 was statistically similar to 2009-11 increasing by 0.7%. Across England female life expectancy increased by 0.5% during the same period.
[Download the life expectancy female data (cvs format, 2kb]
Life expectancy varies significantly across different social, economic and geographical groups, reflecting enduring inequalities that are not solely specific to Salford.
In the least deprived areas of the country people often benefit from better medical care, healthier nutrition, superior housing and have the necessary opportunities and education to make more robust life choices. As a result, between 2021 and 2023, males and females born in Salford in areas classified as the 20% least deprived areas of England could expect to live 9 and 7 years longer than counterparts in the 20% most deprived areas. This inequality is worsened by the fact that half of Salford’s population live in areas classified as the 20% most deprived areas of the country. Inequality in Salford, measured between 2018-20, was worse for both males and females when compared to England and the worst in comparison to other Greater Manchester authorities.
Life expectancy is higher for females than males in every ward of Salford.
[Download the life expectancy birth map data (cvs format, 1kb]
Within Salford, those resident in Broughton have the worst outcomes. Males typically were expected to live 10.2 years less than residents of Boothstown and Ellenbrook and 5.1 years less than the overall Salford average. For females, Broughton residents were expected to live 11.3 years less than residents of Boothstown and Ellenbrook and 6.3 years less than the overall Salford average.
Due to differences in biology, risk taking behaviour, healthcare habits and genetic factors men generally have lower life expectancy than women. In Salford, women born between 2021-23 were expected to live over 4.5 years longer (6.0%) than men. The variation between male and female life expectancy was largest in Salford compared to other Greater Manchester authorities and larger than England (5.1%).
Between ethnic minority and white groups there are inequalities in health that exist but the picture is complex. Whilst life expectancy is generally higher among ethnic groups compared to white and mixed groups this masks significant differences between ethnic groups. Whilst some groups may benefit from the selective migration of healthy individuals and/or healthier lifestyles such as lower smoking and alcohol consumption most are disproportionately affected by socio-economic deprivation. Other factors such as structural racism and access to health care can also have negative impacts on heath.
People from the White Gypsy or Irish Traveller, Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities have the poorest health outcomes across a range of indicators which will inevitably affect life expectancy. This is relevant to Salford as there are significant populations of Pakistani and White Gypsy or Irish Traveller in areas of East Salford and Bangladeshis around Eccles. Ethnicity is not currently routinely collected on death certificates so analysis of life expectancy by ethnicity is not possible, but it is important to acknowledge the potential for inequalities amongst ethnic groups.
Although a Salford male and female can expect to live 76.3 and 80.9 years respectively, it has been estimated that over a quarter of life will be spent in poor health. Healthy life expectancy at birth for males in 2021-23 was 56.4 years whilst for a female it was 57.4 years, meaning 19.9 years and 23.5 years of not good health for males and females. The proportion spent in poor health was the third largest for both males and females in Greater Manchester.
At age 65 a Salford male was expected to live a further 16.8 years with over 50% being in poor health. For females at age 65 in Salford, they were expected to live a further 19.4 years. The proportion of those 19.4 years spent in good health was 54.1%. Again, for both males and females, the proportion of remaining life spent in poor health was the 3rd highest in Greater Manchester.
Between 2001-03 and 2021-23 life expectancy increased 3.1 years for males and 2.9 years for women. Arriaga's decomposition method (Adobe PDF format) can be used to analyse those changes in life expectancy, both in terms of age and causes of death.
Improvements in life expectancy have primarily resulted from reduced mortality due to cardiovascular disease, especially between the ages of 50 and 89 for males and slightly later, ages 55 to 90, for females. Cardiovascular mortality has declined largely due to the widespread use of statins for both primary and secondary prevention since the 1990s. Cancer mortality has also declined for both males and females contributing to improved life expectancy. For both sexes the improvements have principally been between the ages of 45 and 79.
These improvements in cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality have somewhat been offset by increased mortality from mental and behavioural disorders and diseases of the nervous system. These will predominantly have been classified as Alzheimer's and dementia deaths. COVID-19 likely contributed to the decline in life expectancy during the 2021-23 period. However, since these deaths were categorised under 'all other causes' in the decomposition analysis, determining the specific impact is difficult.
Improving life expectancy requires sustained, long-term efforts that span across Salford and society as a whole. A wide range of factors influence life expectancy, including advancements in medical technology, healthcare treatments, government policies on health, welfare and the environment, as well as levels of poverty and education.
Public Health plays a vital role in this landscape by promoting behavioural change, strengthening social connections, and advancing preventative healthcare through initiatives like screening and health education.
Identifying and targeting specific populations who would benefit most from interventions—such as smoking cessation, healthier diets, harm reduction related to alcohol and drugs, and increased physical activity—can significantly reduce mortality rates and, in turn, improve life expectancy. Additionally, promoting mindfulness and fostering stronger social networks within Salford can help reduce stress and enhance overall wellbeing.
Efforts to increase uptake of cancer screenings, regular health checks, and health education —particularly in areas with low participation — can lead to earlier detection of health issues and better health outcomes. These initiatives must focus on addressing socio-economic inequalities and reaching underserved communities by removing barriers to accessing services.
Ultimately, life expectancy is a complex issue with many interrelated causes and effects. It demands continuous, coordinated action rather than a single solution.