U.S. death rate falls to lowest level ever recorded in 2025

The United States recorded its lowest ever death rate in 2025, according to new data from the CDC. For every 100,000 people, 689.2 died during the year, which is roughly 4.6% fewer than in 2024. In total, just over three million Americans died. Death rates fell across all age groups and for both men and women. One encouraging finding was a drop in overdose deaths, which fell by around 14% to approximately 70,000, continuing a three-year downward trend. Heart disease and cancer remained the leading causes of death. However, the data showed clear inequalities. Death rates rose among American Indian, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander populations, while Black non-Hispanic people had the highest overall rate at 869 per 100,000.