U.S. Mortality Trends by Race and Sex Since 1900

United States mortality data tracks age-adjusted death rates and life expectancy at birth from 1900 onward, segmented by race and sex. The dataset compiles records from the National Vital Statistics System, with age-adjusted rates calculated using the 2000 U.S. standard population after 1998. Life expectancy figures are available up to 2017.

Use Cases

• Analyze trends in age-adjusted death rates by race and sex to study health disparities over time.
• Model life expectancy at birth using historical mortality data segmented by demographic categories.
• Compare death rate calculations based on the 2000 U.S. standard population with earlier census-based population estimates.

Strengths

• Covers over a century of U.S. mortality data from 1900 onward.
• Provides data segmented by key demographic variables including race and sex.
• Age-adjusted death rates are calculated using a standardized 2000 U.S. population benchmark.

Limitations

• Life expectancy data is not available for the black population before 1960 and is inconsistent before 1968.
• Data freshness is limited as life expectancy figures are only available up to 2017.
• Death rate calculations for non-census years between 2000 and 2010 have been revised, potentially causing discrepancies with older publications.

Provenance

Source

CDC/NCHS National Vital Statistics System and CDC WONDER.

Collection Method

Compiled from historical mortality data, census and postcensal population estimates, and vital statistics reports.

Time Range

1900 to 2017 for life expectancy, with mortality trend data from 1900 onward.

Freshness

Last updated in April 2025, but core life expectancy data is current only through 2017.

Geography

United States.