Population - Age <1 in United States
United States
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United States Value:
1.1%
Percentage of population under age 1
Population - Age <1 in depth:
Population - Age <1 by State
Percentage of population under age 1
Population - Age <1 in
Data from CDC WONDER, Single-Race Population Estimates, 2022
<= 1.0%
1.1% - 1.1%
1.2% - 1.1%
1.2% - 1.2%
>= 1.3%
Population - Age <1
- CDC WONDER, Single-Race Population Estimates, 2022
About Population - Age <1
US Value: 1.1%
Top State(s): Utah: 1.4%
Bottom State(s): Vermont: 0.8%
Definition: Percentage of population under age 1
Data Source and Years(s): CDC WONDER, Single-Race Population Estimates, 2022
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of CDC WONDER, Single-Race Population Estimates, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2024.
The demographics of a state influence the health needs and outcomes of its population. Understanding the demographic breakdown by age and race/ethnicity can help state health officials and other policymakers determine health promotion and disease prevention priorities, and identify and address health disparities.
The age distribution of the United States is shifting, and older adults will soon outnumber children. Between 2019 and 2020, birth rates in the U.S. fell 4%, and then another 1% between 2021 and 2022. A survey conducted by the Guttmacher Institute found that 34% of American women have delayed or reduced their plans to have children because of pandemic-related economic uncertainty and other related anxieties. As of 2022, the birth rate remains lower than in 2019.
Newborn babies and infants are vulnerable to certain health issues including respiratory illnesses such as colds and coughs, skin problems like diaper rash and cradle cap, and ear infections.
Infant mortality is a common indicator of a community’s overall health. There are ways to reduce the risk of preterm birth and infant mortality. The National Institutes of Health suggests:
- Receiving enough folic acid during pregnancy to prevent congenital anomalies.
- Following a healthy diet to reduce the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Receiving prenatal care.
- Creating safe sleep environments for infants.
- Using newborn screening.
Racial and ethnic disparities exist in many areas of infant health, with stark differences between the premature birth and infant mortality rates of Black women and white women. Addressing the root causes of these disparities is critical to improving the health of all infants.
Healthy People 2030 has an overarching goal to improve the health and safety of infants. Specific objectives include:
- Reducing preterm births.
- Reducing the infant mortality rate.
- Increasing the proportion of infants who are placed on their backs to sleep.
- Reducing the proportion of children who do not get any recommended vaccines by age 2.
Osterman, Michelle J. K., Brady E. Hamilton, Joyce A. Martin, Anne K. Driscoll, and Claudia P. Valenzuela. “Births: Final Data for 2021.” National Vital Statistics Reports 72, no. 1 (January 31, 2023). https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc:122047.
Current Reports
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.
