The year 2024 marks a moment of significant progress for public health in the United States, with life expectancy reaching new heights. After the pandemic’s devastating impact on the nation’s health, Americans can now look forward to longer lives, as death rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels. Life expectancy at birth has increased to 79 years, the highest number ever recorded in the country, indicating strong improvements in public health.
Between 2019 and 2021, life expectancy saw a steep decline due to the effects of COVID-19, drug overdoses, and other health issues. The huge death toll due to the pandemic has reduced life expectancy by almost one and a half years. However, since 2022, life expectancy has been steadily increasing, and recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a significant 4% decline in overall mortality from 2023 to 2024.
This sharp decline in mortality is the result of an increase of more than half a year in life expectancy. Overall, about 3.1 million people are expected to die in the US in 2024, a rate of 722 deaths per 100,000 people. These statistics reflect not only the increase in life expectancy but also the ongoing improvements in health management and medical care across the country.
Among the leading causes of death, heart disease and cancer continue to top the list, each causing more than 600,000 deaths. Despite these health challenges, the CDC notes that mortality rates across the top 10 causes of death have declined, with particularly sharp declines in unintentional injuries—which are often caused by drug overdoses. While overdoses remain a leading cause of death, the death rate from drug overdoses has decreased by more than 26% in just one year, bringing hope to those fighting against the opioid epidemic. The decline in overdose deaths is primarily attributed to a decrease in fentanyl-related deaths, although synthetic opioids still involve the majority of overdose deaths.
These developments have provided a boost to communities across America. Families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 or to overdose are seeing a ray of hope now that public health is improving. Local support groups, mental health organizations and medical professionals continue to advocate for accessible health care, addiction recovery and mental well-being, highlighting the need for community resiliency moving forward.
Although progress has been made, the nation still faces challenges, particularly as suicide rates remain high. The CDC reports that more than 14 million adults will consider suicide in 2024, of which 2.2 million will attempt it. This harsh reality underscores the ongoing need for mental health support and crisis intervention, especially among vulnerable populations. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline continues to provide a vital resource for those in need, although public health officials are calling for expanded services to prevent further harm.
Looking ahead, improvements in life expectancy are a promising sign for the future, but it is clear that health disparities still persist, particularly among American Indian and Black communities, whose death rates remain higher than average. Public health advocates emphasize the importance of addressing these disparities through targeted interventions and social assistance programs.
As the country moves forward, the challenge will be to ensure that the benefits of this recovery reach all communities, while continuing to focus on prevention, access to care and mental health support. The encouraging data from 2024 is a reminder of the resiliency of the American public and the ongoing work needed to promote a healthier, longer life for all.