STATE VITALS: MISSOURI

The state of Missouri scores lower than the nation overall in percent in births to unmarried mothers, cesarean delivery rate and preterm birth rate.

However, among the 10 leading causes of death in the United States, Missouri has mortality rates that are higher than the U.S. rates for the following causes: heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, accidents, Alzheimer’s disease, influenza/pneumonia, kidney disease and suicide.