Death rates in 2007 have decreased to 760.3 per 100,000 from 776.5 in 2006, and a baby born in 2007 can expect to live 77.9 years, compared with 77.7 for one born in 2006.

Age-adjusted death rates decreased significantly for 8 of the 15 leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, accidents, diabetes, influenza, high blood pressure and assaults.