America's Leading Causes of Death in the Last Five Years

The United States ranks 60th in the world for life expectancy. Not very high for one of the most advanced nations in the world. The average life expectancy in the U.S. for both sexes combined is 77.5 years, (males are slightly lower at 74.8 years, and females are higher at 80.2 years), according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many factors contribute to these relatively lower figures – like its high obesity rate – and America's leading causes of death in the last five years have also led to an increase in mortality rates.

To determine America's leading causes of death in the last five years, 24/7 Tempo reviewed data on mortality rates for over 100 selected causes of death from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Major causes of death were ranked based on the crude mortality rate – annual deaths per 100,000 Americans – from 2018 to June 1, 2024. (Also, read about the 12 biggest public health conspiracies of all time.)

15. Parkinson's disease

Mortality rate, 2018 to June 2024: 10.6 per 100,000 Americans
Age-adjusted mortality rate: 8.6 per 100,000 people
Total deaths: 244,732

14. Essential hypertension and hypertensive renal disease

Mortality rate, 2018 to June 2024: 11.2 per 100,000 Americans
Age-adjusted mortality rate: 9 per 100,000 people
Total deaths: 260,349

13. Septicemia

Mortality rate, 2018 to June 2024: 11.3 per 100,000 Americans
Age-adjusted mortality rate: 9.1 per 100,000 people
Total deaths: 261,209

12. Intentional self-harm (suicide)

Mortality rate, 2018 to June 2024: 12.3 per 100,000 Americans
Age-adjusted mortality rate: 11.9 per 100,000 people
Total deaths: 285,949

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which has trained listeners standing by and ready to help. Visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or more information.