U.S. Mortality Rate Returns to Pre-Pandemic Levels in 2024, Though Disparities Persist
WASHINGTON – The U.S. mortality rate in 2024 declined to levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to provisional, age-adjusted data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An estimated 3.1 million deaths occured nationwide, translating to roughly 924 deaths per 100,000 people. While final data may shift,the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics has processed 99.9% of 2024 death records as of June 1, 2025.
The decrease marks a significant shift following pandemic-era increases, though significant health inequities remain.Heart disease and cancer continue to be the leading causes of death, collectively responsible for over 40% of all fatalities. Drug overdoses and unintentional injuries, despite an unprecedented drop in 2024, remained the third leading cause of death for the third consecutive year.
COVID-19’s position as a leading cause of death has diminished, falling from fourth in 2022 to tenth in 2023, with tens of thousands of deaths still recorded in 2024. Notably, suicide rose to the tenth leading cause of death in 2024, with nearly 49,000 lives lost-reaching a record high in 2022 with only slight decreases since.
While death rates decreased for most age groups, they remained stable for children aged 5-14 and infants. Infant mortality, which had been declining for decades prior to a spike in 2022, has not yet fully recovered; nearly 20,000 babies died before their frist birthday in 2024, representing a rate of 5.5 deaths per 1,000 live births. Mississippi declared a public health emergency in August over rising infant mortality rates within the state.
Age-adjusted death rates decreased across all race and ethnicity groups in 2024, but significant disparities persist. The Black population experienced the highest death rate, with over 924 deaths per 100,000-28% higher than the national average.Death rates also decreased for both men and women, but remained notably lower for women than for men.
Anyone experiencing a crisis can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by chatting online at 988lifeline.org.