United States Mortality Rates
The United States (US) has higher infant, child, and adolescent mortality rates than other comparable high income nations. Overall, US mortality rates have declined over the decades, but in recent years, the pediatric rates have plateaued or increased. In contrast, over the same time period, peer nations have made more rapid and sustained progress in reducing mortality rates.
In the US and Illinois, the leading causes of death for infants, children, and adolescents include roughly two dozen different categories of illness and injury. The faculty and staff of Lurie Children’s and Northwestern University have broad expertise regarding these causes of death, with more than 250 professionals providing clinical care or conducting research, education, or advocacy in these areas.
The US mortality rates for children 0-24 years of age are shown in the series of graphs below. Each graph reflects a different age group, and each color represents a different leading causes of death.
Click on any of the below images to view a larger version of each graph.