Mortality Rates in Montana
- Montana Population: 1,068,778 (8th lowest)
- Population Density: 7.42 per square mile (47th most dense)
- Median Age: 40.2 (10th oldest)
- Deaths Per Year: 9,992
- Annual Deaths Per 100,000: 940.6
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 78.7
- Fertility Rate (births per 1,000 women age 15-44): 56.8 (15th lowest rate)
Leading Causes of Death in Montana
| Cause of Death | Deaths Per Year | Deaths Per 100,000 | National Rank |
| Heart Disease
|
2,290 | 157.1 | 28th |
| Cancer
|
2.099 | 140.9 | 36th |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma)
|
759 | 50.8 | 10th |
| Accidents (includes vehicle accidents)
|
657 | 55.4 | 25th |
| Stroke
|
413 | 28.8 | 45th |
| Alzheimer’s Disease
|
326 | 22.6 | 39th |
| Diabetes
|
282 | 20 | 35th |
| Liver Disease / Cirrhosis
|
180 | 15 | 7th |
| Pneumonia + Flu
|
153 | 10.5 | 39th |
| Kidney Disease (nephritis, nephrosis, nephrotic syndrome)
|
139 | 9.6 | 39th |
| Septicemia
|
100 | 7.1 | 34th |
| Suicide
|
289 | 26.2 | 3rd |
| Drug Overdose
|
143 | 14.1 | 41st |
| Homicide
|
39 | 3.7 | 32nd |
Population Statistics
With a median age of 40.2 years, Montana is tied with New Jersey for 10th oldest state. With an older population, many insurance companies are finding that smaller guaranteed issue final expense insurance polices are becoming quite popular in Montana.
Montana’s 56.8 fertility rate is 2nd lowest in the Mountain West region (behind Colorado). Montana’s average life expectancy at birth is 78.7 years—24th among U.S. states and about the same as the national average.
Montana has the 4th lowest population density among U.S. states. Montana’s population grew at a rate of 8.0% from 2010 through 2019—16th fastest among U.S. states.
Health Conditions
Montana’s rates of deaths due to Alzheimer’s, pneumonia, and kidney disease are well below the national average, while its death rates from liver disease and chronic respiratory illnesses are among the nation’s highest.
For this reason, many applicants many applicants may find themselves able to qualify for a no medical exam life insurance policy provided that they don’t suffer from any type of “serious” pre-existing medical condition.
Overdose and Suicide Rates
Montana has the nation’s 10th lowest rate of overdose deaths and 3rd highest rate of suicides. In 2014, 2016, and 2017, Montana had the highest suicide rate, and suicide is the 7th leading cause of death in Montana.
Obesity
Montana has the 9th lowest rate of obesity among U.S. states.
Covid
Montana’s rate of COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 was 159 through July, 2021, which was 17th lowest in the country.
Accidental Causes
Montana’s per capita rate of accidental deaths due to falls is 11th highest and due to choking is 3rd highest (behind Hawaii and Connecticut). For this reason, many Montana residents will often choose to purchase an additional accidental death policy particularly if they are unable to qualify for a traditional term life insurance policy.
Workplace
Only Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming have higher rates of workplace deaths than Montana’s rate of 9.7 per 100,000 workers.
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, Fertility Rates by State (2019).
CDC, Natl. Center for Health Statistics, Life Expectancy at Birth by State (2018).
CDC, Natl. Center for Health Statistics, Stats of the States (2021).
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 (July 23, 2021).
Statista, Percentage of Adults with Obesity in the United States as of 2019 (2019).
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, Work Deaths by State (2019).
