Michigan Mortality Rates
2025 Comprehensive Health Report
Population
Life Expectancy
Health Ranking
Annual Deaths
Leading Causes of Death
Updated data from 2022-2024 showing Michigan’s mortality statistics and national rankings:
| Cause of Death | Deaths/Year | Per 100,000 | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart Disease | 14,800+ | 272 | Mid-range |
| Cancer | 11,400+ | 210 | Mid-range |
| Accidents | 4,600+ | 84 | Mid-range |
| Stroke | 3,200+ | 58 | Better than average |
| Respiratory Diseases | 2,900+ | 53 | Mid-range |
| Alzheimer’s | 2,800+ | 51 | Mid-range |
| Diabetes | 1,800+ | 33 | Mid-range |
| Kidney Disease | 1,400+ | 26 | Better than average |
| Drug Overdose | 2,400-2,800 | 25-28 | Major Improvement |
| Suicide | 1,600+ | 29 | Growing concern |
Health Status Overview
📊 Overall Health Rankings
According to America’s Health Rankings 2024, Michigan ranks 29th in overall health among U.S. states, placing it in the upper-middle tier of state health performance. Michigan’s 2025 population stands at approximately 10.03 million, making it the 10th most populous state in the nation.
Michigan ranks 36th in Health Outcomes specifically, indicating room for improvement in mortality and disease burden. The state’s average life expectancy of 76.0 years is close to the national average, with women (78.8 years) significantly outliving men (73.4 years).
Health Challenges
🚨 Mental Health and Substance Use
Mental health conditions represent a growing concern in Michigan, with suicide emerging as a leading cause of death and ranking in the top 10 causes nationwide. Maternal deaths related to suicide and drug overdose have been identified as significant contributors to pregnancy-related mortality in the state.
Michigan has made substantial progress in addressing the opioid crisis, experiencing one of the largest declines in drug overdose deaths nationally. The state’s overdose death rate has declined nearly five times faster than the national average, thanks to expanded access to naloxone and improved treatment programs.
272 per 100,000
210 per 100,000
25-28 per 100,000
29 per 100,000
Areas of Improvement
✅ Drug Overdose Prevention – Outstanding Progress
Michigan has achieved remarkable success in reducing drug overdose deaths, with the overdose death rate declining nearly five times faster than the national average. This improvement is attributed to:
- Distribution of over 1 million naloxone kits resulting in 21,642+ overdose reversals
- Expanded access to fentanyl and xylazine testing strips
- Early intervention treatment programs in health centers
- Support for substance-exposed babies through rooming-in programs
🏥 Healthcare Infrastructure
Michigan is home to some of the nation’s top healthcare facilities, with the University of Michigan Health system ranked #1 in the state and among the top 10 hospitals nationally in three specialties. The state has made significant investments in healthcare infrastructure and medical education.
⚠️ Life Insurance Considerations
Given Michigan’s middle-tier health rankings and improving trends, Michigan residents often qualify for standard life insurance rates. We at IBUSA typically recommend starting with traditional life insurance with top companies.
For those seeking quicker approval processes, term life insurance with no exam remains a viable option.
Given the state’s progress in health outcomes, Michigan residents often qualify for competitive rates across various policy types.
Health Initiatives and Future Outlook
Michigan Comprehensive Health Strategy
Michigan has implemented several initiatives to improve health outcomes and maintain its middle-tier ranking:
- Expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act
- Comprehensive substance abuse prevention and treatment programs
- Mental health workforce development initiatives
- Maternal health improvement programs
- Rural healthcare access expansion
- University of Michigan Health research initiatives
🏥 COVID-19 Legacy
While COVID-19 significantly impacted Michigan during 2020-2022, particularly in the Detroit metropolitan area, the state has shown resilience in recovery. By 2024, COVID-19 is no longer among the top 10 causes of death, reflecting improved public health responses and medical care.
🏭 Industrial Health Considerations
Michigan’s manufacturing and automotive industry heritage continues to influence health patterns. The state has made progress in workplace safety, though industrial accidents remain a concern in certain sectors.
For workers in higher-risk industries, we often recommend considering accidental death policies to supplement standard life insurance coverage.
Ongoing Challenges
Michigan continues to address challenges including:
- Population decline in certain regions, particularly Detroit and rural areas
- Rising suicide rates and mental health concerns
- Health disparities between urban and rural communities
- Aging population requiring increased healthcare services
- Economic transition affecting healthcare access in some areas
Despite these challenges, Michigan’s middle-tier health ranking and strong healthcare infrastructure position the state well for continued health improvements. The dramatic success in reducing drug overdose deaths demonstrates the state’s capacity for positive change.
Data Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, 2024-2025
America’s Health Rankings, United Health Foundation, 2024 Annual Report
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Statistics Reports, 2023-2024
USAFacts Leading Causes of Death Analysis, 2022-2024
Michigan Maternal Mortality Surveillance Program, 2024
CDC Vital Statistics Rapid Release – Provisional Drug Overdose Data, 2024-2025
U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates, 2024-2025
Michigan Overdose Data and Surveillance System, 2024
World Population Review, State Rankings, 2024-2025
University of Michigan Health Quality Reports, 2024-2025
