Special Report

States With the Most Drug Overdose Deaths in 2020

MJFelt / iStock via Getty Images

More than 93,000 people died of drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2020, a nearly 30% surge from 2019 and the most ever recorded in a single year, according to recently released data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2019, for the first time, accidental drug overdoses killed more Americans than fatal car crashes, which has historically been the leading cause of death among people between 1 and 54 years of age.

Addiction experts say the increase in overdose deaths was largely driven by the increased presence of the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl in the U.S. Other contributors include  problems related to the coronavirus pandemic, such increased isolation and job losses. 

To determine the states with the highest drug overdose fatality rates, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the recently released CDC preliminary estimates of drug overdose deaths. The states are ranked based on the number of drug-related deaths per 100,000 residents. 

The number of opioid overdose-related fatalities in the country was on the rise in almost every state each year between 2015 and 2017. Then, overdose deaths decreased in 32 states in 2018, dropping by 4.0% nationwide. 

The rate of opioid deaths the following year did not change significantly in the vast majority of states. Just four states in 2019 reported a decline in deaths of more than 10% compared to 2018. Nationwide the number of fatal drug overdoses increased by 4.8% in 2019.

The CDC’s preliminary data shows the U.S. opioid crisis has worsened in 2020 beyond even the 2018 peak. Last year, all but two states — South Dakota and New Hampshire — reported an increase in the number of drug overdose-related deaths. And the decrease in New Hampshire was only 0.5%. 

In 2020, 13 states went from a decrease in drug overdose deaths the previous year to an increase. The increase in 10 of those 13 states in the number of drug overdose deaths was significant, one even going from a decrease of 18.1% in 2019 to an increase of 57.6% in 2020.

The District of Columbia is not included in the following list. Had it been included, however, it would have been nearly at the top. D.C. had the second most drug overdose deaths per capita in 2020. It also had the second most fatal drug overdoses per capita on average every year between 2015 and 2019. 

The drug epidemic has worsened nationally in the past two decades. Locally, however, some places have seen a decline in overdose deaths while others a significant increase. There are counties in almost every state where the problem is worse than both states and national averages. These are the counties with the worst drug problem in every state.

Click here to see states with the most drug overdose deaths in 2020

To determine the states with the highest drug overdose fatality rates, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the recently released Centers for Disease Control and Prevention preliminary estimates of drug overdose deaths from December 2019 to December 2020. The states are ranked based on the number of drug-related deaths per 100,000 residents.

Data on overdose deaths in all U.S. states for every year between 2015 and 2020 also came from the CDC. Drug overdose deaths in New York state do not include drug overdose deaths for New York City. 

Population data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey.

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

50. South Dakota
> 2020 overdose fatality: 8 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 74)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 10 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 88)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 7 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 62)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 8 per 10,000 people — 2nd fewest (total average overdose deaths: 70 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: -15.9% — the largest decrease
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 19.4% — 3th smallest increase
> Population: 884,659

[in-text-ad]

Davel5957 / Getty Images

49. Nebraska
> 2020 overdose fatality: 11 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 209)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 8 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 146)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 6 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 123)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 7 per 10,000 people — the fewest (total average overdose deaths: 136 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 43.2% — 8th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 69.9% — 23rd largest increase
> Population: 1,934,408

pabradyphoto / Getty Images

48. Iowa
> 2020 overdose fatality: 13 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 419)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 11 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 350)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 10 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 300)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 10 per 10,000 people — 5th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 316 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 19.7% — 13th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 39.7% — 13th smallest increase
> Population: 3,155,070

RoschetzkyIstockPhoto / Getty Images

47. Texas
> 2020 overdose fatality: 14 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 4,153)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 11 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 3,123)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 9 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,579)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 10 per 10,000 people — 3rd fewest (total average overdose deaths: 2,887 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 33.0% — 25th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 61.0% — 24th smallest increase
> Population: 28,995,881

[in-text-ad-2]

peeterv / Getty Images

46. Montana
> 2020 overdose fatality: 15 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 157)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 13 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 139)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 131)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 12 per 10,000 people — 8th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 124 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 12.9% — 9th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 19.8% — 4th smallest increase
> Population: 1,068,778

vkbhat / Getty Images

45. Idaho
> 2020 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 280)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 15 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 264)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 214)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 13 per 10,000 people — 13th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 237 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 6.1% — 3th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 30.8% — 7th smallest increase
> Population: 1,787,065

[in-text-ad]

Davel5957 / Getty Images

44. Kansas
> 2020 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 468)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 13 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 380)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 11 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 323)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 12 per 10,000 people — 7th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 336 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 23.2% — 17th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 44.9% — 15th smallest increase
> Population: 2,913,314

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

43. North Dakota
> 2020 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 123)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 90)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 9 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 66)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 10 per 10,000 people — 4th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 76 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 36.7% — 17th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 86.4% — 14th largest increase
> Population: 762,062

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

42. Arkansas
> 2020 overdose fatality: 17 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 515)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 362)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 13 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 381)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 13 per 10,000 people — 12th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 397 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 42.3% — 9th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 35.2% — 9th smallest increase
> Population: 3,017,804

[in-text-ad-2]

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

41. Mississippi
> 2020 overdose fatality: 17 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 510)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 365)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 11 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 333)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 11 per 10,000 people — 6th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 330 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 39.7% — 12th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 53.2% — 16th smallest increase
> Population: 2,976,149

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

40. Georgia
> 2020 overdose fatality: 17 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,848)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 13 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,378)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,308)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 13 per 10,000 people — 11th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 1,389 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 34.1% — 21st largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 41.3% — 14th smallest increase
> Population: 10,617,423

[in-text-ad]

Fyletto / Getty Images

39. Wyoming
> 2020 overdose fatality: 17 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 101)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 72)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 92)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 13 per 10,000 people — 14th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 77 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 40.3% — 11th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 9.8% — 2nd smallest increase
> Population: 578,759

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

38. Oklahoma
> 2020 overdose fatality: 19 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 746)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 618)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 18 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 722)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 18 per 10,000 people — 23rd fewest (total average overdose deaths: 723 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 20.7% — 15th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 3.3% — the smallest increase
> Population: 3,956,971

culbertson / Getty Images

37. Minnesota
> 2020 overdose fatality: 19 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,066)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 14 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 788)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 10 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 592)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 12 per 10,000 people — 9th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 682 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 35.3% — 19th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 80.1% — 19th largest increase
> Population: 5,639,632

[in-text-ad-2]

4nadia / Getty Images

36. Oregon
> 2020 overdose fatality: 19 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 798)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 14 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 610)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 497)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 13 per 10,000 people — 10th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 539 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 30.8% — 24th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 60.6% — 23rd smallest increase
> Population: 4,217,737

Art Wager / Getty Images

35. Hawaii
> 2020 overdose fatality: 19 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 274)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 17 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 245)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 171)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 15 per 10,000 people — 16th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 206 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 11.8% — 7th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 60.2% — 22nd smallest increase
> Population: 1,415,872

[in-text-ad]

johnnya123 / Getty Images

34. Utah
> 2020 overdose fatality: 19 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 622)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 18 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 575)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 20 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 649)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 20 per 10,000 people — 25th most (total average overdose deaths: 630 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 8.2% — 5th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: -4.2% — the smallest decrease
> Population: 3,205,958

Chilkoot / Getty Images

33. Alaska
> 2020 overdose fatality: 20 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 146)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 18 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 133)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 17 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 121)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 17 per 10,000 people — 20th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 126 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 9.8% — 6th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 20.7% — 5th smallest increase
> Population: 731,545

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

32. Alabama
> 2020 overdose fatality: 20 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 989)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 15 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 739)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 15 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 720)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 15 per 10,000 people — 18th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 749 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 33.8% — 22nd largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 37.4% — 10th smallest increase
> Population: 4,903,185

[in-text-ad-2]

aiisha5 / iStock via Getty Images

31. Washington
> 2020 overdose fatality: 23 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,724)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,251)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 15 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,109)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 15 per 10,000 people — 17th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 1,162 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 37.8% — 13th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 55.5% — 17th smallest increase
> Population: 7,614,893

choness / Getty Images

30. California
> 2020 overdose fatality: 23 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 9,142)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 6,363)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 4,762)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 13 per 10,000 people — 15th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 5,280 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 43.7% — 7th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 92.0% — 11th largest increase
> Population: 39,512,223

[in-text-ad]

FilippoBacci / Getty Images

29. New York (Data for NYC is not included)
> 2020 overdose fatality: 26 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 4,979)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 19 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 3,634)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 14 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,761)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 18 per 10,000 people — 22nd fewest (total average overdose deaths: 3,544 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 37.0% — 15th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 80.3% — 18th largest increase
> Population: 19,453,561

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

28. Virginia
> 2020 overdose fatality: 26 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,186)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 18 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,538)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 12 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,002)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 16 per 10,000 people — 19th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 1,357 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 42.1% — 10th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 118.2% — 5th largest increase
> Population: 8,535,519

Planet Unicorn / Getty Images

27. Colorado
> 2020 overdose fatality: 26 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,512)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 19 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,100)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 913)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 17 per 10,000 people — 21st fewest (total average overdose deaths: 1,004 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 37.5% — 14th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 65.6% — 25th largest increase
> Population: 5,758,736

[in-text-ad-2]

chefranden / Flickr

26. Wisconsin
> 2020 overdose fatality: 26 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,530)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 21 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,200)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 15 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 873)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 19 per 10,000 people — 24th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 1,083 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 27.5% — 21st smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 75.3% — 21st largest increase
> Population: 5,822,434

ehrlif / Getty Images

25. Michigan
> 2020 overdose fatality: 27 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,743)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 24 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,358)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 20 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,973)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 24 per 10,000 people — 15th most (total average overdose deaths: 2,383 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 16.3% — 10th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 39.0% — 12th smallest increase
> Population: 9,986,857

[in-text-ad]

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

24. Illinois
> 2020 overdose fatality: 28 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 3,528)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 22 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,775)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 15 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,864)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 20 per 10,000 people — 23rd most (total average overdose deaths: 2,513 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 27.1% — 20th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 89.3% — 12th largest increase
> Population: 12,671,821

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

23. North Carolina
> 2020 overdose fatality: 29 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 3,011)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 21 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,236)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 15 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,537)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 20 per 10,000 people — 24th most (total average overdose deaths: 2,064 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 34.7% — 20th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 95.9% — 10th largest increase
> Population: 10,488,084

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

22. New Hampshire
> 2020 overdose fatality: 29 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 393)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 29 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 395)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 31 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 415)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 32 per 10,000 people — 6th most (total average overdose deaths: 438 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: -0.5% — the smallest decrease
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: -5.3% — the largest decrease
> Population: 1,359,711

[in-text-ad-2]

photoquest7 / Getty Images

21. Nevada
> 2020 overdose fatality: 30 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 914)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 23 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 710)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 22 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 665)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 23 per 10,000 people — 18th most (total average overdose deaths: 716 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 28.7% — 22nd smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 37.4% — 11th smallest increase
> Population: 3,080,156

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

20. Vermont
> 2020 overdose fatality: 30 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 186)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 19 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 118)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 99)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 20 per 10,000 people — 22nd most (total average overdose deaths: 125 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 57.6% — the largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 87.9% — 13th largest increase
> Population: 623,989

[in-text-ad]

f11photo / Getty Images

19. Missouri
> 2020 overdose fatality: 31 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,921)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 26 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,603)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 18 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,087)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 23 per 10,000 people — 19th most (total average overdose deaths: 1,422 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 19.8% — 14th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 76.7% — 20th largest increase
> Population: 6,137,428

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

18. New Jersey
> 2020 overdose fatality: 32 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,815)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 31 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,774)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,423)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 26 per 10,000 people — 11th most (total average overdose deaths: 2,329 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 1.5% — the smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 97.8% — 9th largest increase
> Population: 8,882,190

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

17. Massachusetts
> 2020 overdose fatality: 33 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,293)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 32 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,215)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 25 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,723)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 31 per 10,000 people — 9th most (total average overdose deaths: 2,102 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 3.5% — 2nd smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 33.1% — 8th smallest increase
> Population: 6,892,503

[in-text-ad-2]

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

16. South Carolina
> 2020 overdose fatality: 34 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,728)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 22 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,131)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 14 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 736)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 19 per 10,000 people — 25th fewest (total average overdose deaths: 969 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 52.8% — 4th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 134.8% — the largest increase
> Population: 5,148,714

f11photo / Getty Images

15. Indiana
> 2020 overdose fatality: 34 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,268)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 25 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,704)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 18 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,232)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 23 per 10,000 people — 17th most (total average overdose deaths: 1,578 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 33.1% — 24th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 84.1% — 15th largest increase
> Population: 6,732,219

[in-text-ad]

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

14. Florida
> 2020 overdose fatality: 35 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 7,555)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 26 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 5,524)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 16 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 3,352)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 23 per 10,000 people — 20th most (total average overdose deaths: 4,850 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 36.8% — 16th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 125.4% — 3rd largest increase
> Population: 21,477,737

Dreamframer / Getty Images

13. Arizona
> 2020 overdose fatality: 36 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,644)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 27 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,981)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 17 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,267)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 22 per 10,000 people — 21st most (total average overdose deaths: 1,585 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 33.5% — 23rd largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 108.7% — 8th largest increase
> Population: 7,278,717

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

12. Maine
> 2020 overdose fatality: 36 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 490)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 27 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 362)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 20 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 267)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 26 per 10,000 people — 13th most (total average overdose deaths: 347 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 35.4% — 18th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 83.5% — 16th largest increase
> Population: 1,344,212

[in-text-ad-2]

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

11. Rhode Island
> 2020 overdose fatality: 37 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 396)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 30 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 317)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 30 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 319)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 31 per 10,000 people — 8th most (total average overdose deaths: 329 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 24.9% — 18th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 24.1% — 6th smallest increase
> Population: 1,059,361

ferrantraite / Getty Images

10. New Mexico
> 2020 overdose fatality: 38 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 788)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 29 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 609)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 24 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 496)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 25 per 10,000 people — 14th most (total average overdose deaths: 524 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 29.4% — 23rd smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 58.9% — 21st smallest increase
> Population: 2,096,829

[in-text-ad]

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

9. Connecticut
> 2020 overdose fatality: 39 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,385)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 35 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,231)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 22 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 799)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 29 per 10,000 people — 10th most (total average overdose deaths: 1,031 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 12.5% — 8th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 73.3% — 22nd largest increase
> Population: 3,565,287

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

8. Pennsylvania
> 2020 overdose fatality: 40 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 5,172)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 35 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 4,444)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 25 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 3,263)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 35 per 10,000 people — 3rd most (total average overdose deaths: 4,441 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 16.4% — 11th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 58.5% — 20th smallest increase
> Population: 12,801,989

f11photo / Getty Images

7. Louisiana
> 2020 overdose fatality: 41 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,925)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 28 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,304)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 19 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 875)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 23 per 10,000 people — 16th most (total average overdose deaths: 1,090 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 47.6% — 5th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 120.0% — 4th largest increase
> Population: 4,648,794

[in-text-ad-2]

Davel5957 / Getty Images

6. Ohio
> 2020 overdose fatality: 45 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 5,215)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 37 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 4,279)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 29 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 3,336)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 36 per 10,000 people — 2nd most (total average overdose deaths: 4,217 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 21.9% — 16th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 56.3% — 18th smallest increase
> Population: 11,689,100

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

5. Tennessee
> 2020 overdose fatality: 45 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 3,091)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 31 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,138)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 21 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,455)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 26 per 10,000 people — 12th most (total average overdose deaths: 1,771 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 44.6% — 6th largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 112.4% — 6th largest increase
> Population: 6,829,174

[in-text-ad]

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images

4. Maryland
> 2020 overdose fatality: 46 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,761)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 39 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,360)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 22 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,320)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 35 per 10,000 people — 4th most (total average overdose deaths: 2,086 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 17.0% — 12th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 109.2% — 7th largest increase
> Population: 6,045,680

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

3. Delaware
> 2020 overdose fatality: 46 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 449)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 43 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 423)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 20 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 195)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 34 per 10,000 people — 5th most (total average overdose deaths: 329 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 6.1% — 4th smallest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 130.3% — 2nd largest increase
> Population: 973,764

Davel5957 / Getty Images

2. Kentucky
> 2020 overdose fatality: 47 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 2,104)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 31 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,369)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 28 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,248)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 31 per 10,000 people — 7th most (total average overdose deaths: 1,391 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 53.7% — 3rd largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 68.6% — 24th largest increase
> Population: 4,467,673

[in-text-ad-2]

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

1. West Virginia
> 2020 overdose fatality: 74 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 1,326)
> 2019 overdose fatality: 48 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 852)
> 2015 overdose fatality: 41 deaths for every 100,000 people (total: 729)
> Average deaths a year, 2015-2019: 48 per 10,000 people — the most (total average overdose deaths: 868 a year)
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2019-2020: 55.6% — 2nd largest increase
> Pct. change in overdose deaths, 2015-2020: 81.9% — 17th largest increase
> Population: 1,792,147

Find a Qualified Financial Advisor (Sponsor)

Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to 3 fiduciary financial advisors in your area in 5 minutes. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. If you’re ready to be matched with local advisors that can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.