Mortality Rates in Minnesota
- Minnesota Population: 5,639,632 (22nd highest)
- Population Density: 71.07 per square mile (29th most dense)
- Median Age: 38.5 (32nd oldest)
- Deaths Per Year: 44,745
- Annual Deaths Per 100,000: 797.4
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 80.5
- Fertility Rate (births per 1,000 women age 15-44): 61 (19th highest rate)
Leading Causes of Death in Minnesota
| Cause of Death | Deaths Per Year | Deaths Per 100,000 | National Rank |
| Cancer
|
10,042 | 142.2 | 34th |
| Heart Disease
|
8,401 | 116.7 | 50th |
| Accidents (includes vehicle accidents)
|
2,859 | 44.9 | 39th |
| Alzheimer’s Disease
|
2,552 | 34.9 | 18th |
| Stroke
|
2,365 | 33 | 34th |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma)
|
2,273 | 32 | 41st |
| Diabetes
|
1,404 | 19.8 | 36th |
| Hypertension (high blood pressure) | 705 | 9.5
|
15th |
| Liver Disease / Cirrhosis
|
696 | 10.7 | 33rd |
| Parkinson’s Disease
|
675 | 10.2 | 3rd |
| Pneumonia + Flu
|
539 | 7.5 | 48th |
| Suicide
|
830 | 14.4 | 34th |
| Drug Overdose
|
792 | 14.2 | 39th |
| Homicide
|
154 | 2.8 | 42nd |
Population Statistics
Minnesota’s overall rate of deaths per 100,000 population is 6th lowest among U.S. states, and Minnesota is tied with New York for 3rd longest life expectancy at birth (behind Hawaii and California). Only California has a longer life expectancy for males than Minnesota.
At 4.47 per 1,000 live births, Minnesota has the nation’s 10th lowest infant mortality rate.
Population Statistics
Among U.S. states, Minnesota has the lowest rate of heart disease deaths—the leading cause of death nationally. Minnesota is also 3rd lowest in pneumonia and flu deaths and 10th lowest in deaths caused by chronic respiratory illness.
For these reasons, we here at IBUSA will often find that in addition to traditional life insurance options, many Minnesotans will also be able to qualify for many no exam life insurance options as well.
Minnesota’s rates of Alzheimer’s and hypertension deaths are above the national average, and Minnesota has the 3rd highest rate of death due to Parkinson’s Disease. Conditions which can often prevent individuals from being able to qualify for traditional coverage.
In cases where this is the situation, many applicants will find that a guaranteed issue life insurance policy will be the best option.
Crime, Homicides and Firearms
For 2020, Minnesota had the nation’s 11th lowest rate of violent crime, and the state’s 2.8 homicides per 100,000 population was 9th lowest in the U.S. in 2019. Minnesota is also 8th lowest in firearm mortality.
Covid
Through August, 2021, Minnesota’s COVID-19 mortality rate of 138 per 100,000 population was 15th lowest among U.S. states.
Driving
With 8.0 fatalities per 100,000 population, Minnesota ranks as the safest state in the Midwest to drive. Outside the Northeast, only Utah rates as a safer state for drivers. Minnesota is also the Midwest’s safest state for workers.
Accidental Death
In 2019, Minnesota’s rate of accidental deaths due to falls was 21.7 per 100,000 population. Only Wisconsin, Maine, Vermont, West Virginia, and South Dakota had higher rates. And while this is a stat that few Minnesotans are likely to be aware of, it is one of the reasons why we encourage individuals to consider supplementing any “traditional” type of life insurance with an accidental death policy.
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).
CDC, Division of Vital Statistics, National Vital Statistics Report (2018).
CDC, Natl. Center for Health Statistics, Fertility Rates by State (2019).
CDC, Natl. Center for Health Statistics, Stats of the States (2021).
New York Times, Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count (Aug. 2, 2021).
Natl. Safety Council, State Overview Table: 2019 (preventable-injury-related death rates per 100,000 population by state of residence, United States, 2019).
Natl. Safety Council, Motor-Vehicle Deaths by State (2019).
Natl. Safety Council, Work Deaths by State (2019).
United Health Foundation, America’s Health Rankings, 2020 Annual Report: Minnesota.
