Infant Mortality Rate: United States

Analysis# United States Infant Mortality Rate The United States infant mortality rate stands at 5.5 per 1,000 births in 2024, representing a dramatic improvement from the 25.9 per 1,000 births recorded in 1960—a 78.8% decline over six decades. The current rate matches the all-time low achieved in 2019, demonstrating substantial progress in maternal and child health outcomes. Despite this remarkable downward trajectory, the U.S. rate remains higher than many other developed nations. The most significant improvements occurred between 1960 and the early 2000s, driven by advances in prenatal care, neonatal medicine, and public health initiatives. Since 2015, the rate has stabilized at approximately 5.5 per 1,000 births, suggesting a plateau in recent years. This plateau indicates both the achievement of major health infrastructure gains and the emergence of persistent challenges in reducing mortality further among vulnerable populations.