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WASHINGTON - A new report detailing the health of residents in the Washington region shows where you live in the area could add or subtract nearly 10 years from your life.

The Washington Council of Governments released a joint report detailing the connection between where someone lives in the region and the quality of their health.

The report released by the COG and Washington Grantmakers took a look at the state of health for the greater metropolitan area. It found that health quality varied greatly depending on where someone lived.

One of the more telling statistics is the difference in life expectancy. In the District of Columbia, the average life expectancy is only 72 years, in comparison with an 81 year life expectancy in Montgomery County (web | news) .

Some District residents disagree with the report though. "You know, it all depends on how they take care of themselves, the individual," said D.C. resident Ruth Nash.

Gregory New lives in Cleveland Park. He points out that the report does not differentiate between the District's quadrants. "People who don't live as long are more likely to live in the poorer areas of the District."

But Brian Tyner says it's more difficult to be healthy in the city. "People shop there at the corner store and the majority of that stuff in there isn't good for you. I guess constantly eating it, you gonna have problems."

Some statistics that differed greatly depending on location were infant mortality rate and adults who lack health insurance coverage. In Loudoun County (web | news) , just over 11% of residents don't have health insurance, where as over 25% of residents in Manassas are not covered.

Dr. Pierre Vigilance directs the D.C. health department. He says he's not surprised by the report's findings which show much higher rates of heart disease, HIV and low birth weight in the city.

Vigilance says it's all tied to poverty and education. "You eat differently, a gym membership costs money. You don't have time to take time off work to see a doctor for preventative care."

Simply moving from the District to another jurisdiction won't automatically extend your life, said Vigilance. "Over the course of time it can change what you have access to and if those things are things that impact your health, it can change your life."

New plans to stay put in Cleveland Park, counting on good genes. "I've made it to 80 so far. My father lived to 83 and my mother lived to 95 so I'm hoping at least to beat my dad."

The report did show room for improvement, as certain counties seemed to be better off than others. However, the metropolitan area is considered fairly healthy when compared to the United States in general.

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