Mortality rates are a measure of the overall health of a community, which is affected by a wide variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, economic status and other societal influences including structural racism.

The overall mortality rate in Westchester County in 2021-23 was 546 per 100,000 people, up 3% from 2016-18. African Americans in Westchester County had the highest mortality rate in 2021-23, at 661 per 100,000 people, higher than Whites (540), Hispanics (413) and Asians (307). Rates among all race/ethnicities in Westchester County were lower than New York State rates. The rates for all racial/ethnic groups have increased since 2016-2018, except for Whites which saw a 3 point decline. Rates amongst Asians increased the most (15%), followed by Hispanics and African Americans (both 8%).

Compared with similar counties, Westchester had the highest morality rate among African Americans, higher than Nassau (597), Putnam (533) and Rockland (471); the second highest rate among Asians, below Nassau at 372; the second lowest rate among Hispanics, above Putnam at 380; and lowest rate among Whites.

Except at the very oldest ages, African Americans have the highest death rates of any of America's racial and ethnic groups. Much of this can be attributed to inequalities in economic status, education and occupation -- all of which are related to the risk of mortality. Structural racism drives several key social determinants of health, such as lower levels of income and generational wealth; less access to healthy food, water and public spaces; environmental damage; and the stress of prolonged discrimination. Black Americans receive less and lower-quality care for conditions like cancer, heart problems, pneumonia, prenatal and maternal health, and overall preventive health.

Rates are age-adjusted, meaning adjusted to account for differences in age distributions across geographies.