Poverty Is a Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.

The number of deaths associated with poverty in the U.S. is unknown. Researchers used several large databases to estimate risk for death and number of deaths associated with poverty (i.e., income <50% of median) in the U.S. Analyses were adjusted for self-rated health, overweight or obesity, smoking, chronic disease, and other potential confounders.

Current poverty is associated with 42% excess risk for death. Cumulative poverty (i.e., 10 continuous years of poverty) is associated with 71% excess risk for death. Survival of people in poverty diverges from those not in poverty at age 40. Divergence peaks at age 70 and diminishes thereafter. In 2019, among people who were 15 or older, cumulative poverty was the fourth leading cause of death (2…