What does this overdose deaths ranking show?

It orders states by Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 residents. It is a comparison of this one published measure, not an overall ranking of where to live.

Where do these figures come from?

County Health Rankings, NCHS supplies this measure. States without a comparable published value are shown as not ranked rather than estimated.

How should I use this ranking?

Use it to narrow a search, then open a state or county profile for the underlying figures, source dates and caveats. A statewide number may not describe every neighbourhood.

Lowest overdose deaths by state

Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 residents.

Deaths from drug overdose per 100,000 residents, using death certificates and the county of the person’s residence. This is a multi-year mortality outcome, not drug-crime data or a measure of treatment quality.

How to read this ranking

Nebraska has the lowest published overdose deaths in this comparison, at 10. The next states shown are South Dakota (11) and Iowa (15).

The table orders 51 states by drug overdose deaths per 100,000 residents. It describes one published measure, not an overall judgment about where to live.

Use the result as a starting point, then compare the underlying source, dates, and local county figures before making a decision. Deaths from drug overdose per 100,000 residents, using death certificates and the county of the person’s residence. This is a multi-year mortality outcome, not drug-crime data or a measure of treatment quality.

Related health rankings

Frequently asked questions

What does this ranking show?: It orders states by Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 residents. It is one measure, not an overall verdict on where to live.
Where do the figures come from?: County Health Rankings, NCHS. States without a comparable published figure are listed as not ranked rather than estimated.
How should I use it?: Use it to narrow your search, then open a state or county profile for the source date, caveats and local context.

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Free to use. The chart names its source and links back, so it stays honest wherever it ends up.

<iframe src="https://movermath.com/embed/overdose-deaths" width="100%" height="420" style="border:0" loading="lazy" title="Drug overdose deaths per 100,000 residents by state"></iframe>

Source: County Health Rankings, NCHS. · How this is built

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