Mortality Rates in Connecticut

• Connecticut Population: 3,565,287 (29th highest)
• Population Density: 734.92 per square mile (3rd most dense)
• Median Age:  41.2 (7th oldest)
• Deaths Per Year:  31,230
• Annual Deaths Per 100,000: 874.1
• Life Expectancy at Birth:  80.4
• Fertility Rate (births per 1,000 women age 15-44):  51.1 (7th lowest rate)

Leading Causes of Death in Connecticut

Population Statistics

Connecticut’s population decreased by 0.2% between 2010 and 2019, making Connecticut one of only 4 states (along with West Virginia, Illinois, and Vermont) to decrease in population during that period.

At 51.1 births per 1,000 women of child-bearing age, Connecticut’s fertility rate is 7^th lowest among U.S. states.

With a median age of 41.2 years, Connecticut ranks as the 7^th oldest state. Connecticut’s overall mortality rate of 874.1 per 100,000 is slightly above the overall national rate. However, adjusted for population age, Connecticut’s mortality rate is the nation’s 5^th lowest (behind Hawaii, California, New York, and Colorado).

Connecticut has the nation’s 5^th longest life expectancy at birth, at 80.4 years. Connecticut’s life expectancy for females is 3^rd highest in the U.S.

Health Conditions

Connecticut is among the 5 states with the lowest rates of death due to stroke (2^nd), diabetes (3^rd), and Alzheimer’s (4^th). Connecticut’s rate of septicemia (blood poisoning illnesses) deaths is 13^th

For these reasons and more, we here at IBUSA will typically try to help applicants from Connecticut first qualify  for life insurance without an exam  if eligible.

If that type of coverage is not available, fully underwritten coverage from a top life insurance company may be the better route.

Finally, for those who are having a difficult time finding coverage, final expense burial insurance is the next option to consider.

Smoking

At 12.2%, Connecticut’s smoking rate among adults is the nation’s 4^th lowest, and Connecticut also has the 4^th lowest rate of deaths due to chronic respiratory illnesses.

Drug Overdose, Suicide, and Firearms

Connecticut has the nation’s 9^th lowest rate of suicides but 6^th highest rate of drug overdose deaths. Connecticut’s homicide rate is 12^th lowest, and the state’s overall rate of firearm-related mortality is 6^th

Covid

For 2020, Connecticut’s COVID-19 mortality rate was 112.9 deaths per 100,000 population—7^th highest in the nation and only about 14% below the state’s cancer mortality rate. Through August, 2021, Connecticut’s COVID death rate is 233 per 100,000—which is 9^th highest in the nation.

Accidental Death 

Connecticut’s rate of accidental deaths is about 20% above the overall rate nationally. Connecticut has the nation’s highest rate of deaths due to accidental choking, with 3.3 choking deaths per 100,000 population.

Connecticut’s rate of deaths due to accidental poisoning—at 33.2 deaths per 100,000—is also well-above the national rate. Only Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, and West Virginia have higher poisoning mortality rates.  Additionally, Connecticut ranks 5^th worst among the states for residential lead risk.

For this reason alone well often recommend that our clients at least consider purchasing an additional accidental death policy as a way to supplement any traditional life insurance coverage they may already have.

Workplace

With just 1.4 occupations deaths per 100,000 workers, Connecticut ranks just ahead of New Hampshire as the nation’s safest state in which to work.

Sources:

U.S. Dept of Ag., Economic Research Service, https://data.ers.usda.gov/reports.aspx?ID=17827 (citing U.S. Census Bureau, 2019).

Statista, Population Density in the U.S. by Federal States Including District of Columbia in 2020 (2020).

StatsAmerica (Ind. Bus. Research Center), Median Age in 2019.

CDC, Natl. Center for Health Statistics, State & Territorial Data (2018 – 2019).

Kaiser Family Foundation, Number of Deaths per 100,000 Population (2019).

CDC, Natl. Center for Health Statistics, Life Expectancy at Birth by State (2018).

CDC, Natl. Center for Health Statistics, Fertility Rates by State (2019).

CDC, Natl. Center for Health Statistics, Stats of the States (2021).

CDC, State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation System, Map of Current Cigarette Use Among Adults (2018).

CDC, Natl. Center for Health Statistics, Provisional Death Rates for COVID-19 (2020).

New York Times, Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count (Aug. 12, 2021).

Natl. Safety Council, State Overview Table: 2019 (preventable-injury-related death rates per 100,000 population by state of residence, United States, 2019).

United Health Foundation, America’s Health Rankings, 2020 Annual Report: Connecticut.

Natl. Safety Council, Work Deaths by State (2019).