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* Per 1,000 live births.

† Includes persons of Hispanic and non-Hispanic ethnicity.

During 2000–2005, the U.S. infant mortality rate did not decline significantly for the total population or for any racial/ethnic population. However, from 2005 to 2009, the rate declined by 7% to 6.39 infant deaths per 1,000 live births and declined significantly for all racial/ethnic groups except for American Indian/Alaska Native women. Infant mortality rates in 2009 were higher than the U.S. average (6.39) for non-Hispanic black (12.40) and American Indian/Alaska Native women (8.47). Rates were lower than the U.S. average for non-Hispanic white (5.33), Hispanic (5.29) and Asian or Pacific Islander women (4.40).

Source: Mathews TJ, MacDorman MF. Infant mortality statistics from the 2009 period linked birth/infant death data set. Natl Vital Sat Rep 2012;61(8).

Reported by: Marian F. MacDorman, PhD, mfm1@cdc.gov, 301-458-4356; T.J. Mathews.

Alternate Text: The figure above shows infant mortality rates, by race and Hispanic ethnicity of mother, in the United States during 2000, 2005, and 2009. During 2000-2005, the U.S. infant mortality rate did not decline significantly for the total population or for any race or ethnic group. However, from 2005 to 2009, the rate declined by 7% to 6.39 infant deaths per 1,000 live births and declined significantly for all race and ethnic groups except for American Indian/Alaska Native women. Infant mortality rates in 2009 were higher than the U.S. average (6.39) for non-Hispanic black (12.40), and American Indian/Alaska Native women (8.47). Rates were lower than the U.S. average for non-Hispanic white (5.33), Hispanic (5.29), and Asian or Pacific Islander women (4.40).