This Is the State Where People Are Most Likely to Die From COVID-19

Health and Healthcare

Published: December 15, 2020 9:39 am

As COVID-19 deaths passed the grim 300,000 mark, confirmed cases sprinted above 16 million and hospitalizations topped 100,000, the spread of the disease is expected to quicken. As fatal cases increase, data shows that the disease’s death rates vary widely from state to state.

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine has one of the most carefully followed and widely regarded COVID-19 prediction models for deaths, daily infections, testing, mask use, hospital resource use and social distancing. Its scientists forecast that 509,000 Americans will die by April 1, if Americans do not take more aggressive measures to arrest the spread of the disease.

One of the most carefully followed figures that measure how deadly COVID-19 is from place to place is deaths per 100,000 people. The nationwide figure is about 70. The highest rate by the measure by far is New Jersey, with a number of 199.85. Vermont has the lowest number at 15.22.

Eight states have death rates per 100,000 that are above 140 (see below). Aside from New Jersey, they include Massachusetts, Connecticut, Louisiana, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Mississippi. The figures below are based on data through December 13.

Several states at the top of the list share one thing in common. The majority of their death figures occurred early in the spread of the disease. This is particularly true with the states near New York City, which was ravaged by the disease in March and April. This accounts for the presence of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on the list.

There was also a large outbreak in Boston early in the spread of disease. This accounts for much of the Massachusetts figure.

Notably, the single state on this list that has been hit very hard recently is South Dakota, where the disease has spread rapidly, unarrested, for the past month. The problem has been caused largely by lax rules about mask-wearing and social distancing.

This is the state with the fewest doctors per person.

These Are the States With the Most Coronavirus Deaths per 100,000 People

State	Population	Deaths	Mortality Rate (per 100k)
New Jersey	8,882,190	17,751	199.8493615
Massachusetts	6,892,503	11,349	164.6571645
Connecticut	3,565,287	5,363	150.4226728
Louisiana	4,648,794	6,818	146.6616933
New York	19,453,561	27,785	142.8273209
Rhode Island	1,059,361	1,509	142.4443603
South Dakota	884,659	1,259	142.3147224
Mississippi	2,976,149	4,199	141.0883662

ALSO READ: Saddest Restaurant Closings of 2020

The Average American Is Losing Momentum On Their Savings Every Day (Sponsor)

If you’re like many Americans and keep your money ‘safe’ in a checking or savings account, think again. The average yield on a savings account is a paltry .4%¹ today. Checking accounts are even worse.

But there is good news. To win qualified customers, some accounts are paying more than 7x the national average. That’s an incredible way to keep your money safe and earn more at the same time. Our top pick for high yield savings accounts includes other benefits as well. You can earn up to 4.00% with a Checking & Savings Account today Sign up and get up to $300 with direct deposit. No account fees. FDIC Insured.

Click here to see how much more you could be earning on your savings today. It takes just a few minutes to open an account to make your money work for you.