The U.S. infant mortality rate remained statistically unchanged in 2024, but new federal data released June 16, 2026, by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) confirms meaningful progress on several specific causes of infant death — most notably an 8% drop in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The formal report, “Infant Mortality in the United States, 2024: Data From the Period Linked Birth/Infant Death File,” was listed on the NCHS pressroom calendar and published on schedule on June 16, 2026. The overall provisional infant mortality rate in 2024 was 5.52 deaths per 1,000 live births, not significantly different from the final 2023 rate of 5.61.
What the 2024 Data Shows
The NCHS report, authored by Danielle M. Ely, Ph.D., and Anne K. Driscoll, Ph.D., uses the U.S. period-linked birth/infant death file — linking 100% of birth certificates with 98–99% of infant death certificates in all states and the District of Columbia.
Key findings from the 2024 provisional data:
- SIDS rate fell 8%, from 40.2 to 37.0 per 100,000 live births — the single most significant cause-specific improvement
- Postneonatal mortality declined 5%, from 1.96 to 1.87 per 1,000 live births
- Full-term infant mortality declined 5%, from 1.64 to 1.55 per 1,000
- Male infant mortality declined 3%, from 6.04 to 5.88
- Neonatal mortality was essentially unchanged, from 3.65 to 3.66
- Infant mortality for mothers ages 20–24 declined 5%, from 7.23 to 6.89
- Changes in infant mortality by maternal race and Hispanic origin were not statistically significant
2024 U.S. Infant Mortality Data
Rate
Change from 2023
Overall infant mortality rate
5.52 per 1,000 live births
No significant change (from 5.61)
Neonatal mortality (birth to 27 days)
3.66 per 1,000
No significant change
Postneonatal mortality (28–364 days)
1.87 per 1,000
−5% (from 1.96)
SIDS rate
37.0 per 100,000 live births
−8% (from 40.2)
Full-term infant mortality (39–40 wks)
1.55 per 1,000
−5% (from 1.64)
Male infant mortality
5.88 per 1,000
−3% (from 6.04)
Mothers ages 20–24 infant mortality
6.89 per 1,000
−5% (from 7.23)
Race/ethnicity changes
—
Not statistically significant
What the SIDS Decline Signals — and What Remains Unresolved
The 8% SIDS decline is the strongest cause-specific signal in the 2024 data, likely reflecting the continued impact of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Safe Sleep campaign — back-sleeping, firm flat surfaces, room-sharing without bed-sharing. The 5% decline in postneonatal mortality (deaths from 28 to 364 days, generally the most preventable category) suggests progress in access to preventive care, breastfeeding support, and safe sleep education.
The full-term infant mortality decline is equally significant: these are births without prematurity complications, where care quality and parental education have the most direct influence.
The report’s finding that “changes in infant mortality rates by maternal race and Hispanic origin were not statistically significant” is not a neutral finding — it documents the persistence of stark disparities. American Indian/Alaska Native and Black infants continue to die at dramatically higher rates than White and Asian/Pacific Islander infants. This represents an unresolved structural failure.
The United States remains a significant outlier among high-income nations at 5.52 per 1,000 live births, compared to Germany (3.1), Japan (1.8), and Sweden (2.2). The second consecutive year without an increase holds a floor — but does not close the gap with peer nations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the U.S. infant mortality rate in 2024?
The provisional 2024 U.S. infant mortality rate is 5.52 deaths per 1,000 live births, per NCHS data released June 16, 2026. This is not statistically significantly different from the 2023 rate of 5.61.
Did SIDS rates improve in 2024?
Yes. SIDS deaths fell 8%, from 40.2 to 37.0 per 100,000 live births — the strongest cause-specific improvement in the 2024 data, likely reflecting continued Safe Sleep public health messaging.
What is postneonatal mortality, and did it improve?
Postneonatal mortality (deaths from 28–364 days of life) declined 5%, from 1.96 to 1.87 per 1,000 — an improvement in the most preventable infant death category.
What are the racial disparities in U.S. infant mortality?
The 2024 data show no statistically significant change in racial disparities. American Indian/Alaska Native and Black infants continue to die at dramatically higher rates than White and Asian/Pacific Islander infants.
How does the U.S. compare to other high-income countries?
The U.S. rate of 5.52 per 1,000 significantly exceeds comparable nations — Germany (3.1), Japan (1.8), Sweden (2.2).
