Infant Mortality Rates in U.S. Cities:* 1990-2004

This line graph shows the trend in infant mortality rates from 1990-2004 for infants born in U.S. cities and for all U.S. infants. In 1990, there were approximately 11 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in U.S. cities, compared to slightly more than 9 infant deaths per 1,000 live births for all U.S. infants. This rate dropped significantly for both groups between 1990 and 2000, and the gap between the two groups has narrowed. Since 2000, the infant mortality rates in U.S. cities and nationally have remained fairly stable. In 2004, there were 7.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in U.S. cities, compared to 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births among all U.S. infants.

*Data for 1990-2002 were for cities with populations over 100,000; data after 2002 reflect cities with populations over 250,000.↑

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, National Vital Statistics System. Unpublished Data.

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