Vital statistics

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Trend reports
Minnesota Vital Statistics System
Data: Natality (births), mortality (deaths), infant/fetal mortality (infant deaths)
Related resources

These reports summarize demographic, natality, and mortality trends for Minnesota, its 87 counties and community health boards. The demographic section has five years of trend data on selected indicators including population size, poverty rates, and unemployment rates. The natality and mortality sections aggregate years into four 5-year groupings. Natality indicators include low birth weight, prematurity and prenatal care initiation. Mortality indicators include age-adjusted deaths rates for cancer, heart disease, stroke, and unintentional injury.

• 1998-2017: Vital Statistics Trend Report, 1998-2017 (XLS)
• 1997-2016: Vital Statistics Trend Report, 1997-2016 (XLS)
• 1994-2013: Vital Statistics Trend Report, 1994-2013 (XLS)
• 1993-2012: Vital Statistics Trend Report, 1993-2012 (XLS)
• 1992-2011: Vital Statistics Trend Report, 1992-2011 (XLS)
• 1991-2010: Vital Statistics Trend Report, 1991-2010 (XLS)

For single-year mortality and natality rates, visit: Minnesota Vital Statistics Interactive Queries (currently under construction)

The Minnesota Vital Statistics System (MVSS) is a part of the MDH Center for Health Statistics. The MVSS compiles statistical data on all births, deaths, infant deaths, and fetal deaths to Minnesota residents. These data are provided to MVSS by the Office of Vital Records, the state entity responsible for registering the facts of birth and death in the State of Minnesota using information submitted by hospitals, clinics, or medical examiners.

The MDH Center for Health Statistics creates statistical files that are used to monitor trends in vital statistics (e.g., pregnancy risk factors, birth outcomes, and causes of death), for the state overall and for specific subgroups (e.g., race, age, or county of residence). These data allow MDH and public health partners to identify emerging issues, develop tailored prevention or intervention programs, and monitor progress in addressing health disparities. Summary statistics are reported each year in the Annual Health Summary, County Health Tables, and Vital Statistics Trend Reports (above) located on our website.

Natality data are used to monitor trends in mother and infant health during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and birth. Risk factors for poor birth outcomes for both mothers and infants can be identified by studying prenatal care utilization, characteristics of pregnancy and birth, trends in delivery methods, and other risk factors for poor birth outcomes (e.g., low birth weight, preterm delivery) many of which differ by race/ethnicity, age, education, and urban/rural status.

For national information, please see the National Vital Statistics System Natality Data.

Mortality data (deaths) for Minnesota in 2021

While death is inevitable, public health concerns arise when preventable causes of death increase (e.g., influenza) or when new causes of death emerge (e.g., opioid overdose). Mortality rates and leading causes of death vary greatly by age, race/ethnicity, and geography. These data are used to monitor death rates and causes of death overall and in specific subpopulations to identify trends that may be of public health concern.

For national information, please see the National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data page.

Infant/fetal mortality (infant deaths) in Minnesota in 2021

An infant death is the death of an infant born alive that dies before its first birthday. Infant deaths are typically classified in two categories (neonatal and postneonatal deaths), which vary in terms of risks factors and causes. Leading causes of infant death are birth defects, preterm and low birthweight, sudden infant death syndrome, pregnancy complications, and injuries.

A separate, but related, event is fetal death. A fetal death (also called a stillbirth) is the death of a fetus that is at least 20 weeks gestation but dies before it is born. Fetal deaths effect about 1% of all pregnancies in the US but causes of fetal death are poorly understood. Known contributors include birth defects and genetic problems, problems with the placenta or umbilical cord, or health conditions of the mother such as uncontrolled diabetes.

For national information, please see the National Vital Statistics System Linked Birth and Infant Death Data and the National Fetal Death Statistics pages.

Annual reports 

• Health Statistics Annual Summary
• County Health Tables

Other publications 

• VitalSigns Issue Briefs

Data access 

• Minnesota Vital Statistics Interactive Queries (this system is currently being updated)