Probability of Dying Before Age 25

According to Social Security Administration actuarial life tables, approximately 1.22% of Americans die before reaching age 25. For males, the probability is higher at about 1.55%, compared to about 0.87% for females. This means about 98.8% of people born today will live to see their 25th birthday.

The leading causes of death for Americans under 25 are dramatically different from those of older adults. Unintentional injuries (especially motor vehicle crashes) are the leading cause, followed by suicide and homicide. Together, these three causes account for roughly 75% of deaths in the 15-24 age group. For children under 5, congenital anomalies and preterm birth complications are the leading causes.

The probability of dying young has decreased enormously over the past century. In 1900, approximately 17% of Americans died before age 25. Improvements in sanitation, vaccination, antibiotics, neonatal care, food safety, and injury prevention have dramatically reduced youth mortality. Continued progress in reducing gun violence, drug overdoses, and motor vehicle crashes could further decrease this probability.