People in Somerset are less likely to die prematurely than most of the country, according to new analysis released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The study, commissioned by health charity The Health Foundation, found a strong link between where people live and their risk of dying before the age of 75 — with factors like deprivation, ethnicity and education playing a significant role.

Between March 2021 and December 2023, Somerset recorded a premature mortality rate of 382 deaths per 100,000 people — well below the national average of 435 per 100,000. The area had the ninth-lowest rate in the South West.

Cancer was the most common cause of early death in Somerset, responsible for 141 deaths per 100,000 people, followed by cardiovascular disease (69 per 100,000), diabetes (44 per 100,000) and respiratory disease (44 per 100,000).

Blackpool recorded the highest premature mortality rate in England and Wales at 696 per 100,000, while Richmond upon Thames had the lowest at 285.

Researchers adjusted their analysis to account for age and sex, but also explored the impact of ethnicity, nationality of birth and socio-economic status. Once these were factored in, the mortality gap between the highest and lowest areas narrowed significantly — with socio-economic factors proving the most influential.

The study covered the coronavirus pandemic period, meaning figures were affected by both the virus and the pressure it placed on NHS services during that time.

Daniel Ayoubkhani, head of the ONS health research group, said the findings showed a "clear association between where you live and your risk of dying prematurely."

Charles Tallack, director of research and analysis at The Health Foundation, said the study underlined the need for cross-sector action: "The opportunity of living a long and healthy life is dependent on the socio-economic conditions people live in."

The report concluded that no single department or policy can solve health inequality on its own, and called for better access to education, good jobs and locally tailored solutions to reduce regional disparities.