NCHS Data Visualization Gallery

Natality and Mortality Trends in the United States, 2000–2022

These charts describe trends in births and deaths in the United States from 2000 through the most current available year. Shown are number of births and deaths, crude birth rates and crude death rates and birth to death ratios. Birth to death ratios convey whether a population is growing (births outnumber deaths) or contracting (deaths outnumber births). Ratios greater than 1.00 indicate a growing population; ratios less than 1.00 indicate a declining population. These data are presented by maternal or decedent state of residence, by the three largest maternal or decedent race and Hispanic origin (Black, non-Hispanic; White, non-Hispanic; Hispanic) and by urbanicity of maternal or decedent county of residence. Data will be updated annually.

Technical Notes

Urbanization level

Urbanization level of maternal county of residence or decedent was categorized using the 2013 National Center for Health Statistics Urban–Rural Classification Scheme for Counties (1). Four metropolitan groups (large central metro, large fringe metro, medium metro and small metro) and two nonmetropolitan groups (micropolitan and noncore) are presented.

Race and Hispanic origin

Hispanic origin and race are reported separately on the birth and death certificate. Data shown by Hispanic origin include all persons of Hispanic origin of any race. Data for non-Hispanic persons are shown separately by race. For 2010-2017, bridged-race groups based on the standards issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in 1977 are presented (2). For 2018-onward, single-race groups are presented based on the revised standards issued by the OMB in 1997 (3).

Data Table: U.S. Birth to Death Ratio, by Selected Race and Hispanic Origin

NH = Non-Hispanic

References
  1. Office of Management and Budget. Revisions to the standards for the classification of federal data on race and ethnicity. Fed Regist 62(210):58782–90. 1997.
  2. Office of Management and Budget. Race and ethnic standards for federal statistics and administrative reporting. Statistical Policy Directive 15. Washington, DC. 1977.
  3. Ingram DD, Franco SJ. 2013 NCHS urban–rural classification scheme for counties. National Center for Health Statistics. Vital Health Stat 2(166). 2014.

Suggested citation: Driscoll AK, Hamilton BE, Tejada-Vera B, Minino AM. Natality and Mortality Trends in the United States, 2000-2022. National Center for Health Statistics, 2024.

Designed by Driscoll AK, Tejada-Vera B, Quintana AR. National Center for Health Statistics.