Population - Age <1 in District of Columbia

District of Columbia

The demographics of a community influence the health needs and outcomes of its population. Understanding a state’s breakdown by age, income, education, race/ethnicity and other demographics can help state health officials and other policymakers identify and address health disparities. This understanding can also help determine priorities for health promotion and disease prevention.

Between 2023 and 2024, birth rates in the United States increased 1%.

Infants and newborns are vulnerable to certain health issues, including respiratory illnesses such as colds and coughs, skin problems like diaper rash and cradle cap, and ear infections. It is recommended that all infants get vaccinated to protect against diseases such as hepatitis B, rotavirus and polio. 

Infant mortality is a common indicator of a community’s overall health. In 2024, the leading causes of infant death were congenital malformations, low birth weight (often associated with preterm birth) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

To prevent congenital anomalies, the National Institutes of Health and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant people maintain a prenatal diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly folic acid. Folic acid can be taken as supplements or incorporated into meals through fortified foods. Other steps parents can take include ensuring that babies always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS.

Access to early and regular prenatal care is crucial to preventing preterm birth and infant mortality. Newborn screening, which is required in the U.S., can also identify infant health problems early and treat or prevent more serious health issues. 

Stark differences persist in the premature birth and infant mortality rates of Black women and white women. Structural inequities and chronic stress associated with adverse social and environmental conditions contribute to these health disparities, and addressing the root causes is critical to improving overall maternal and infant health outcomes.

Osterman, Michelle J. K., Brady E. Hamilton, Joyce A. Martin, Anne K. Driscoll, and Claudia P. Valenzuela. “Births: Final Data for 2024.” National Vital Statistics Reports 75, no. 2 (June 9, 2026). https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/252440.

Xu, Jiaquan, Sherry Murphy, Kenneth D. Kochanek, and Elizabeth Arias. Mortality in the United States, 2024. NCHS Data Brief, No. 548. National Center for Health Statistics, January 29, 2026. https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc/174641.