Vital statistics are data on "vital events," namely births, deaths, and civil activities like marriages and divorces.
Therefore, there are overlapping areas belonging both to the vital statistics and other topical sections of this guide.
For example, statistics on cancer mortality (the number of people who die of a certain disease compared with the total number of people) are available from the CDC's National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion as well as from the National Vital Statistics Report.
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National Vital Statistics System
The Division of Vital Statistics is part of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). This website is the starting point for information on:
National Vital Statistics Reports
This monthly report regularly updates Vital Statistics of the United States. Also includes periodic reports covering special topics.
Vital Statistics of the United States
An annual report from NCHS. The most comprehensive published report on vital statistics in the U.S.
The print publication of this report by NCHS ceased in 1993, but it is now published by Bernan Press from 1994-present. The latest edition is available at Main Library Reference, 1 Center.
Alphabetical List
American’s Families and Living Arrangements
Look here for information on marriages.
Formerly Marital Status and Living Arrangements.
Atlas of United States Mortality
“Released to the public on April 14, 1997, this atlas is the first to show all leading causes of death by race and sex for small U.S. geographic areas referred to as Health Service Areas (HSA's). The 18 causes of death included in this atlas account for 83 percent of all deaths in the United States during 1988-92. In addition to maps with age-adjusted death rates for each HSA, the atlas includes maps that compare each HSA rate to the national rate, smoothed maps for each cause that show the broad geographic patterns at selected ages, and a chart with regional rates for each cause of death.”
Also available in print.
Reports from the U.S. Census Current Population Survey.
Historical Statistics of the United States
Chapter Ab covers Vital Statistics and includes an essay and tables on general information, births and fertility, life expectancy, and mortality.
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
Current source of information on death and death rates. Includes surveillance summaries, such as the reoccurring reports on abortion that are particularly valuable for their comprehensive treatment of the subject. These reports are titles “Abortion Surveillance --- United States, [year]”.
National Vital Statistics Reports
This monthly report regularly updates Vital Statistics of the United States. Also includes periodic reports covering special topics.
National Vital Statistics System
The Division of Vital Statistics is part of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). This website is the starting point for information on:
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Ended in 2011, archive for historical interest. This comprehensive reference contained tables with data on births, deaths, abortions, fetal deaths, fertility, life expectancy, marriages, and divorces.
Provides information on life expectancies. Life tables are also available in Vital Statistics of the United States, but use a different methodology.
Vital Statistics of the United States
An annual report from NCHS. The most comprehensive published report on vital statistics in the U.S.