In 73% Of U.S. Counties, 2021 Death Rate Exceeded Birth Rate

In 2021, 73% of the 3,143 U.S. counties, the number of deaths was higher than the number of births, meaning that the county had a natural decrease in population. In 2020, 55% of counties had a higher death rate than birth rate. The rising number of counties with a natural population decrease was attributed to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In 2021, all counties in Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island experienced natural decrease.

In many states and counties the natural decrease in population was offset by a rise in domestic migration from one county to another . . .