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Explore national- and state-level data for hundreds of health, environmental and socioeconomic measures, including background information about each measure. Use features on this page to find measures; view subpopulations, trends and rankings; and download and share content.
United States Value:
Percentage of adults age 65 and older who reported being told by a health professional that they had a depressive disorder, including depression, major depression, minor depression or dysthymia
Percentage of adults age 65 and older who have not served in the U.S. armed forces and reported being told by a health professional that they had a depressive disorder, including depression, major depression, minor depression or dysthymia
10.7% - 13.4%
13.5% - 14.6%
14.7% - 16.5%
16.6% - 17.8%
17.9% - 20.7%
No Data
US Value: 14.9%
Top State(s): New Jersey: 10.4%
Bottom State(s): Oregon: 19.7%
Definition: Percentage of adults age 65 and older who reported being told by a health professional that they had a depressive disorder, including depression, major depression, minor depression or dysthymia
Data Source and Years(s): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2024
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2026.
Depression, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a common mood disorder. It is a complex disorder caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and physiological factors. Commonly known risk factors for depression include chronic pain, major life changes or stressors, certain medications and family history of depression.
Symptoms of depression — such as hopelessness, loss of interest and fatigue — can impact all aspects of a person’s life, including how they think, feel and handle daily activities. Around 80% of adults with depression report at least some difficulty performing work, home or social activities. Depression is a risk factor for attempting suicide.
There are significant societal costs associated with depression. The economic burden of depression in the United States was estimated at $382.4 billion in 2023 dollars, including direct medical costs, loss of workplace productivity and loss of life due to suicide.
According to America’s Health Rankings analysis, populations of adults who have a higher prevalence of depression include:
Depressive disorders are common and treatable. Depression is most commonly treated with psychotherapy, medications or both. Talking with a primary care provider is a common first step to finding mental health care. Additionally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers an online behavioral treatment locator.
The National Institute of Mental Health provides a guide on how to help someone experiencing emotional pain. In 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was launched to provide an easy-to-remember number and 24/7 confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources, by call, text or online chat. The previous National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-TALK(8255)) is also active and can still be used.
Healthy People 2030 has multiple goals pertaining to mental health, including:
Brody, Debra J., Laura A. Pratt, and Jeffery P. Hughes. Prevalence of Depression Among Adults Aged 20 and Over: United States, 2013–2016. NCHS Data Brief No. 303. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, February 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db303.htm.
Greenberg, Paul, Abhishek Chitnis, Derek Louie, Ellison Suthoff, Shih-Yin Chen, Jessica Maitland, Patrick Gagnon-Sanschagrin, Andree-Anne Fournier, and Ronald C. Kessler. “The Economic Burden of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder in the United States (2019).” Advances in Therapy 40, no. 10 (October 2023): 4460–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-023-02622-x.
van den Bosch, Matilda, and Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg. “Environmental Exposures and Depression: Biological Mechanisms and Epidemiological Evidence.” Annual Review of Public Health 40, no. 1 (April 1, 2019): 239–59.https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040218-044106.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.
