How Many People Die In U.S. Each Day? Trend Chart (2025)

Every day, thousands of Americans die—but the reasons why and how that number changes tell a much deeper story. From population growth to pandemics and the opioid crisis, daily death rates reflect the nation’s evolving health, risk factors, and tragedies. Let’s break down what these numbers reveal.

How Many People Die a Day in the U.S.?

Over the years, the average deaths per day in the U.S. have varied from approximately 4,054 deaths per day in 1950 to nearly 9,570 deaths per day in 2021. These figures partially reflect the influence of population growth. More Americans means more deaths per day.

They also illustrate how changing demographics, healthcare advancements, and societal factors affect health risks. For example, the effects of fentanyl on drug users have boosted accidental overdoses to the fifth-highest position among lifetime death risks, while the risk of accidental overdose has pushed unintentional injuries into third place, behind only heart disease and cancer.

While some years saw a slight increase or decrease, others, like 2020 and 2021, witnessed a significant rise, due to events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

How COVID-19 Changed U.S. Daily Deaths

From 2020 to 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the death tolls in the U.S. increased sharply, setting new records. Over this time, 9,247, 9,570, and 8,732 daily deaths surpassed previous records for how many people die in the U.S. every day. This surge underscores the devastating impact of the virus and its strain on healthcare systems.

After three years of the daily death total being about 18% higher than normal, it took a sharp dip in 2023 to 8,152. This brought the total death toll back in line with the gradual upward trend established pre-pandemic, with the projected daily average for 2024 being 8,333 deaths and 8,470 for 2025.

The Role of Public Health Initiatives

While it may be possible to obtain settlements for asbestos exposure or other toxins, money doesn’t prevent death. The same is true of fatal car accidents and other causes of unintentional fatalities. A car accident settlement might help surviving family members make ends meet, but it will not bring their loved ones back.

This is where public health policy comes in. While financially rewarding the families of victims is critical, public health initiatives can prevent those losses from occurring in the first place.

For example, seat belt campaigns can reduce car accident fatalities, and supplying police officers with overdose-reversing drugs may turn the tide on opioid overdose deaths.

ConsumerShield Can Help After a Preventable Death

How many people die in the U.S. every day? The number has steadily increased over the past 73 years, with a rare spike in 2020 and 2021. However, this number doesn’t tell the individual stories of each person who died.

When you lose a loved one to a preventable cause, such as medical malpractice, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation for your loss. ConsumerShield can connect you with a lawyer who can help. Contact us for a free case evaluation.