People and Society of Virgin Islands

Nationality

Virgin Islander(s)

Ethnic Groups

black 78%, white 10%, other 12%

Population

100,091

Population in Major Urban Areas

CHARLOTTE AMALIE (capital) 60,000

Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth in the United States Virgin Islands is notably high compared to many other Caribbean territories, reflecting the islands' relatively developed healthcare infrastructure and access to medical services. As a U.S. territory, residents benefit from American healthcare standards, federal health programs, and a network of medical facilities that support overall population health. The life expectancy at birth in the U.S. Virgin Islands is approximately 80 years, with women generally outliving men by several years — a pattern consistent with global trends. Female life expectancy hovers around 83 years, while male life expectancy is closer to 77 years. Several factors contribute to these favorable figures. The territory has access to modern medical care through facilities such as the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas and the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix. Residents also have access to Medicare and Medicaid programs, which help cover healthcare costs for eligible populations, reducing barriers to treatment and preventive care. The islands' relatively high standard of living, compared to many neighboring Caribbean nations, also plays a role. Higher income levels and greater access to education are broadly associated with better health outcomes and longer lives. Additionally, the territory benefits from public health oversight aligned with U.S. federal standards, including disease surveillance, vaccination programs, and food safety regulations. That said, the Virgin Islands do face health challenges that can affect longevity. Chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are significant concerns among the local population. The territory's geographic isolation can also create difficulties in accessing specialized medical care, sometimes requiring patients to travel to the continental United States for advanced treatment. Natural disasters, particularly hurricanes, have also posed indirect threats to public health and healthcare delivery. Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused substantial damage to the islands' medical infrastructure, disrupting care for many residents and creating longer-term health consequences. Recovery efforts have continued in the years since, with ongoing investments aimed at rebuilding and strengthening the healthcare system's resilience. Overall, the life expectancy figures for the U.S. Virgin Islands reflect a territory that, while facing real health challenges, benefits significantly from its association with the United States and the resources and standards that connection provides.

Infant Mortality Rate

The United States Virgin Islands maintains a relatively low infant mortality rate compared to many developing nations, reflecting its status as a U.S. territory with access to American healthcare standards and federal health programs. The infant mortality rate for the Virgin Islands is estimated at approximately 6 to 8 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure broadly consistent with other small Caribbean territories that benefit from close ties to wealthier nations. This rate is influenced by several factors, including access to prenatal care, neonatal medical services, and public health infrastructure. As a U.S. territory, the Virgin Islands benefits from federal Medicaid and Medicare programs, which help extend healthcare coverage to lower-income residents and pregnant women. The primary hospital serving the territory, Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas, along with the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix, provides maternal and child health services that contribute to better birth outcomes. Despite these advantages, the Virgin Islands faces ongoing healthcare challenges that can affect infant health outcomes. The territory has a limited number of specialists, and complex neonatal cases may require medical evacuation to mainland U.S. facilities. Natural disasters, most notably the devastating back-to-back hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, temporarily disrupted healthcare infrastructure and services, which may have had short-term effects on vulnerable populations including infants and newborns. Socioeconomic disparities within the territory also play a role. Poverty rates in the Virgin Islands are notably higher than the U.S. mainland average, and economic inequality can influence access to consistent prenatal care, nutrition, and safe living conditions — all of which are directly linked to infant survival rates. Compared to regional neighbors, the Virgin Islands performs favorably, with significantly lower infant mortality than many independent Caribbean nations. However, the territory continues to work toward aligning its health outcomes more closely with the best-performing U.S. states, where infant mortality rates can fall below 4 per 1,000 live births.

Literacy Definition

NA

• Baptist42.0%
• Roman Catholic34.0%
• Episcopalian17.0%
• other7.0%

English (official), Spanish, Creole

• Creole
• English
• Spanish