Mortality Rates in New Mexico
- New Mexico Population: 2,096,829 (35th highest)
- Population Density: 17.36 per square mile (45th most dense)
- Median Age: 38.6 (20th youngest)
- Deaths Per Year: 19,007
- Annual Deaths Per 100,000: 907.1
- Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.2
- Fertility Rate (births per 1,000 women age 15-44): 57.6 (18th lowest rate)
Leading Causes of Death in New Mexico
| Cause of Death | Deaths Per Year | Deaths Per 100,000 | National Rank |
| Heart Disease
|
4,245 | 15.2 | 26th |
| Cancer
|
3,614 | 131.9 | 46th |
| Accidents (includes vehicle accidents)
|
1,687 | 77.8 | 2nd |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma)
|
1,105 | 40.1 | 25th |
| Stroke
|
886 | 33.3 | 33rd |
| Diabetes
|
673 | 25.4 | 10th |
| Liver Disease / Cirrhosis
|
594 | 26.2 | 1st |
| Alzheimer’s Disease
|
568 | 21.3 | 43rd |
| Pneumonia + Flu
|
347 | 13.2 | 20th |
| Septicemia
|
238 | 9.3 | 24th |
| Kidney Disease (nephritis, nephrosis, nephrotic syndrome)
|
340 | 12.9 | 23rd |
| Suicide
|
513 | 24 | 4th |
| Drug Overdose
|
599 | 30.2 | 12th |
| Homicide
|
230 | 11.8 | 4th |
Population Statistics
New Mexico has the 15th lowest population and 6th lowest population density among U.S. states. New Mexico grew at a rate of 1.8% from 2010 through 2019, which was less than one-third of the overall national rate of 6.8%.
At 38.6, New Mexico’s median age makes it the 20th youngest state, though the median age nationally of 38.1 is a little younger.
New Mexico’s average life expectancy at birth is 77.2 years—tied with Georgia for 13th lowest in the U.S. New Mexico’s male life expectancy of 70.2 years is 9th The state’s female life expectancy is over 10 years longer at 80.4, which is 18th lowest for females.
Health Conditions
New Mexico has the nation’s highest rate of death due to liver disease and is 10th highest in diabetes-related deaths.
New Mexico’s rates of cancer and Alzheimer’s deaths are 5th and 7th lowest, respectively.
And while none of these statistics will necessarily play a role on one’s life insurance application be that at traditional application or a life insurance policy with no medical exam, it should be noted that statistical facts like these or often looked at when determining underwriting guidelines for certain products.
Suicide and Homicide
New Mexico has the country’s 4th highest rate of both suicide (behind Wyoming, Alaska, and Montana) and homicide (behind Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama).
New Mexico is tied with Wyoming for 3rd highest firearm mortality rate (behind Alaska and Mississippi).
Covid
At 106 deaths per 100,000 population, New Mexico had the nation’s 9th highest COVID-19 fatality rate for 2020. Extended through August, 2021, New Mexico’s COVID death rate is 13th highest, at 211 deaths per 100,000.
Accidental Deaths
New Mexico’s rate of accidental deaths is 2nd highest in the nation (behind only West Virginia). With 19.1 deaths per 100,000 population, New Mexico ranks as the most dangerous state to drive in the Southwest.
West of the Mississippi, only Wyoming’s motorist fatality rate is higher. New Mexico is also the Southwest’s most dangerous state for workers—with 6.2 employment-related deaths per 100,000 workers.
For this reason , we’ll often recommend that most of our clients take a moment and consider adding an additional accidental death policy to their term or whole life insurance policy as well.
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, Division of Vital Statistics, National Vital Statistics Report (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 (Aug. 4, 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: New Mexico.
