Length of life is how long people live. It includes an analysis of the overall number of deaths, specific causes of death, life expectancy, and differences in the population groups affected.
What does the data say?
We've gathered together 3 key indicators to help us see the big picture.
Overview
In 2017, Klamath County had the highest death rate in Oregon.
Death rates are generally higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Klamath County has consistently had a higher overall death rate than the state of Oregon. The total death rate in Klamath County increased from 880 in 2014 to 927 per 100,000 in 2017. With this rate, Klamath County moves into position with the highest death rate in Oregon. Although the total death rate is worsening, the tobacco-related death rate is improving, having decreased from 247 in 2014 to 209 per 100,000 in 2017.
In Klamath County in 2017, malignant neoplasms, or cancer, was the leading cause of death. From 2011 to 2015 the cancer death rate was 172 per 100,000. This is higher than the cancer death rate for Oregon, at 165 per 100,000, and the United States, at 164 per 100,000, during the same time period.
The cancer death rate varies greatly by race and ethnicity. In Klamath County, the American Indian and Alaska Native population has the highest cancer death rate at 182 per 100,000. The White, non-Hispanic population has a cancer death rate of 171 per 100,000, while the Hispanic population has the lowest cancer death rate at 80 per 100,000. In Klamath County from 2011 to 2015, lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer death, followed by breast cancer in women.
Cancer Death Rates
Use the drop down to explore cancer death rates in Klamath County
180.0 deaths/ 100,000 population
This indicator shows the age-adjusted death rate per 100,000 population due to cancer.
Data Source: National Cancer Institute
Significantly better than the overall value
No significant difference with the overall value
Significantly worse than the overall value
No significant difference with the overall value
Suicide is the 5th Leading Cause of Death in Klamath County
Rates of death by suicide have increased across the United States since 1999. Additionally, suicide death rates are typically higher in rural areas than in urban areas. In Klamath County, the suicide rate has consistently been higher than the Oregon and United States rates.
Drug Overdose Death Rate
In Klamath County, the rate of deaths due to drug poisoning increased slightly, while still slightly below the Oregon value. However, deaths due to opioid overdose decreased significantly.
Life expectancy is a measure used to assess the overall health status of a population.
Health disparities lead to more negative health outcomes in one population group than another. A health disparity is a difference in health that can be attributed to social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantages. Health disparities contribute to differences in life expectancy by gender, race and ethnicity, and location.
Life Expectancy at Birth in Klamath County
This indicator shows the life expectancy at birth in years. This represents the average number of years a person can expect to live.
For the measurement period 2015-2017, Hispanics are expected to live a full 9 years longer than whites (85.2 years vs. 75.9)
Life Expectancy
County: Klamath
Life Expectancy by Census Tract
Based on where someone lives, down to the census tract level, there is a 15-year difference in life expectancy in Klamath County.
77.2 years
This indicator shows the life expectancy at birth in years. This represents the average number of years a person can expect to live.
Data Source: U.S. Small-Area Life Expectancy Estimates Project (USALEEP)