• The percentage of preventable premature deaths from five leading causes of death was consistently higher in rural counties than in most urban counties during the study period.

• The gap between most rural and urban counties for premature death increased for four causes of death (cancer, heart disease, chronic lower respiratory disease, and stroke). 

• However, it decreased for unintentional injury during 2010-2022.

• Urban and suburban counties experienced an increase in unintentional injuries, leading to a narrow gap in the percentage of preventable premature deaths.

• The increase in premature death for multiple leading causes of death was observed in 2020 due to COVID-19-related conditions, which contributed to increased mortality from heart disease and stroke.

• Routine tracking based on urban-rural county classification might enable us to identify and monitor geographic disparities in health outcomes.

Click here to read more.