drug overdoses

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.