What is the average life expectancy in Stockton town centre?

In Stockton town centre, men can expect to live to 67 and women to 71.

What caused the low life expectancy in Stockton?

Factors cited include industrial pollution, unemployment, poverty, unhealthy lifestyles, and drug/alcohol abuse.

Are there efforts to improve life expectancy in Stockton?

Yes, the local council is prioritizing health inequalities, attracting investment, and creating jobs to address these issues.

Home / Health / Stockton's Shocking Reality: Life Expectancy Plummets

Stockton's Shocking Reality: Life Expectancy Plummets

22 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

Men in Stockton die at 67, women at 71, significantly lower than nearby areas.
Past industrial pollution from chemical works is a cited factor in declining health.
Locals link low life expectancy to unemployment, benefits, poverty, and unhealthy lifestyles.

Stockton's Shocking Reality: Life Expectancy Plummets

Life expectancy in Stockton town centre has plummeted, with men reaching an average of just 67 years and women 71. This stark contrast to nearby affluent areas like Ingleby Barwick highlights deep-seated issues within the community. Residents attribute these dire statistics to a confluence of factors, including the lingering health impacts of its industrial past, characterized by pollution from former chemical and steel works, and a perceived over-reliance on the benefits system.

Many locals believe that unemployment and a lack of activity contribute to poor health, citing the rise in unhealthy diets, smoking, and drug use. The town's industrial heritage, once a source of employment, has left a legacy of environmental contamination. Retired workers recall skies blackened with chemicals from the former ICI plant, with many suffering from related illnesses and cancers.