For the first time since 2019, COVID-19 has dropped out of Michigan’s top 10 causes of death. That’s an encouraging milestone—but it doesn’t mean the state’s biggest health threats are behind us. Heart disease, cancer, and a handful of other largely preventable conditions are still shortening lives across Michigan every day.

In this guide, we’ll unpack what the latest data on the leading causes of death in Michigan really means, why COVID-19 fell off the list in 2024, and—most importantly—what practical steps you can take to protect your own health and the health of your family.

Michigan public health officials reviewing mortality data
Michigan’s mortality data show COVID-19 dropping out of the top 10 causes of death in 2024, while chronic diseases remain dominant.

Why Michigan’s Top 10 Causes of Death Still Matter—Even as COVID-19 Declines

According to 2024 state mortality data reported by MLive, COVID-19 no longer ranks among Michigan’s top 10 causes of death—a major shift from 2020 and 2021, when it trailed only heart disease and cancer. This change reflects:

  • Widespread immunity from vaccination and prior infection
  • Improved treatment options and hospital protocols
  • Shifts in viral variants and ongoing public health measures

But the bigger story is what hasn’t changed: heart disease and cancer remain the top killers, and several other chronic conditions continue to drive premature death. These conditions are influenced by everyday factors—like diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, and access to preventive care—that many of us struggle with.

“When we see chronic diseases dominate mortality statistics year after year, it’s a sign that the most important health interventions aren’t dramatic—they’re daily.”
— Internal medicine physician, Southeast Michigan

The Leading Causes of Death in Michigan: What the Data Suggests

Exact rankings can shift slightly year to year, but Michigan’s list closely mirrors national trends reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While we focus on patterns rather than exact counts, the top causes typically include:

  1. Heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure)
  2. Cancer (lung, breast, prostate, colorectal, and others)
  3. Unintentional injuries (car crashes, falls, overdoses)
  4. Chronic lower respiratory diseases (COPD, emphysema)
  5. Stroke (cerebrovascular disease)
  6. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
  7. Diabetes
  8. Kidney disease
  9. Influenza and pneumonia
  10. Sepsis and other infections (varies by year)

COVID-19 surged onto this list in 2020–2021, then gradually declined in ranking as vaccines, prior immunity, and better care took hold. By 2024, it no longer cracked the top 10 in Michigan’s official statistics.

Doctor pointing at a digital chart of health statistics
Mortality statistics highlight patterns, but they also point to everyday choices and inequities that shape our health over time.

Heart Disease and Cancer: Still Michigan’s Biggest Killers

Heart disease and cancer have consistently occupied the top spots for deaths in Michigan, even during the peak COVID years. Both are strongly influenced by lifestyle and environment, but also by genetics and access to care.

Heart disease: The slow, silent threat

Heart disease often develops over decades. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and chronic stress quietly damage blood vessels until a heart attack or heart failure appears “suddenly.”

  • Many people feel no symptoms until advanced disease develops.
  • Even modest improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and activity can significantly cut risk.
  • Regular checkups can uncover problems years before a major event.

Cancer: Multiple diseases, shared risk factors

Cancer is not one disease but many. In Michigan and nationally, lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers account for a large share of deaths. Tobacco use, environmental exposures, diet, obesity, and infections all play a role.

Screening tests—like mammograms, colonoscopies, and low-dose CT scans for heavy smokers—can catch cancer earlier, when it’s more treatable and survival rates are higher.

“From a numbers perspective, the biggest impact Michiganders can make on premature death isn’t about the next pandemic—it’s about blood pressure cuffs, walking shoes, and cancer screening appointments.”
— Public health researcher, University-affiliated health system

COVID-19 Falling Out of the Top 10: Progress with Important Caveats

The fact that COVID-19 is no longer a leading cause of death in Michigan is a sign of meaningful progress. It suggests that vaccines, treatments, and community-level immunity are helping to prevent the large waves of severe illness and death seen in 2020–2021.

However, “not in the top 10” doesn’t mean “gone”:

  • COVID-19 still causes hospitalizations and deaths each year, particularly in older adults and people with chronic conditions.
  • Long COVID can lead to prolonged fatigue, cognitive issues, and other symptoms affecting quality of life.
  • Seasonal waves can strain hospitals alongside flu and RSV, especially in winter.
Pharmacist preparing a vaccine dose in a clinic
Vaccines and improved treatments have helped move COVID-19 out of Michigan’s top 10 causes of death, but prevention is still important for high‑risk groups.

From Statistics to Action: 8 Evidence‑Based Ways Michiganders Can Lower Their Risk

Turning population data into personal action can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling work, family, or financial stress. You don’t need a perfect lifestyle to make a real difference. Small, consistent changes can substantially reduce your risk of the top killers.

1. Know your numbers

Schedule a primary care visit at least once a year (or as recommended) to track:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Blood sugar or A1c (especially if you have risk factors for diabetes)
  • Weight and waist circumference (as one piece of the picture)

2. Prioritize heart‑healthy movement

The American Heart Association recommends at least:

  • 150 minutes per week of moderate activity (like brisk walking), or
  • 75 minutes per week of vigorous activity (like jogging), plus
  • Muscle‑strengthening activities twice a week

If that sounds intimidating, start with 10 minutes a day and build up. Consistency matters more than intensity when you’re getting started.

3. Make small, sustainable nutrition shifts

Michigan’s long winters and busy schedules can make it tempting to rely on fast food and packaged meals. Focus on gradual swaps:

  • Add one serving of vegetables or fruit to your usual meals.
  • Choose whole grains (like oats, brown rice, whole‑wheat bread) more often.
  • Limit sugary drinks and heavily processed snacks.
  • Include lean proteins (beans, fish, poultry, tofu) regularly.

4. Stay current on cancer screenings

Talk with your clinician about when to start and how often to get:

  • Colon cancer screening (often beginning around age 45 for average‑risk adults)
  • Mammograms for breast cancer (timing depends on age and guidelines)
  • Pap tests / HPV tests for cervical cancer
  • Low‑dose CT scans for certain current or former heavy smokers (for lung cancer)

5. Protect your lungs

  • If you smoke, consider this your nudge to explore quitting—medications, nicotine replacement, and counseling can greatly improve your odds.
  • Avoid secondhand smoke where possible.
  • Discuss flu, pneumonia, and updated COVID-19 vaccines with your doctor, especially if you have chronic lung or heart conditions.

6. Manage stress and sleep

Chronic stress and poor sleep are linked with heart disease, depression, diabetes, and dementia risk. Helpful steps include:

  • Keeping a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends
  • Limiting screens for 30–60 minutes before bed
  • Trying brief daily practices like deep breathing, stretching, or short walks
  • Seeking counseling when stress, anxiety, or low mood feel overwhelming

7. Reduce injury and overdose risk

  • Always wear seatbelts and avoid driving after drinking or using impairing substances.
  • Store medications and firearms securely, especially with children or teens in the home.
  • If you or someone you love uses opioids (prescribed or not), talk to a clinician or pharmacist about naloxone and local treatment resources.

8. Build a care team, not just a doctor

Think beyond a single visit. Pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals, and community health workers can all support your goals—often at low or no cost through health systems and community programs.

Family walking together on a neighborhood path
Small, realistic changes—like regular walks and shared home‑cooked meals—can meaningfully lower the risk of Michigan’s leading causes of death.

Real‑World Barriers in Michigan—and How to Work Around Them

It’s one thing to read advice and another to fit it into real life. Many Michigan residents face barriers like shift work, long commutes, food deserts, harsh winters, or limited insurance coverage.

Case example: Winter blues and blood pressure

A 54‑year‑old factory worker from mid‑Michigan struggled with high blood pressure and prediabetes. Short winter days meant he rarely saw sunlight outside work, and long shifts drained his energy. Instead of aiming for drastic change, his clinician helped him:

  • Add a 10‑minute walk after dinner on non‑snowy days.
  • Swap one daily soda for water or unsweetened tea.
  • Use a low‑cost home blood pressure cuff to track readings twice a week.
  • Schedule a telehealth follow‑up instead of an in‑person visit to save travel time.

Over six months, his blood pressure and A1c improved enough to avoid adding another medication—without heroic lifestyle overhauls.


The Science Behind These Recommendations

The strategies above are grounded in large, long‑term studies and national guidelines from organizations such as:

These organizations regularly review emerging evidence and update recommendations on physical activity, diet, screening, vaccination, and chronic disease management. While no lifestyle change can guarantee disease prevention, following these evidence‑based guidelines can significantly lower your risk and improve quality of life.

Public health data visualization on a laptop screen
Public health guidelines synthesize thousands of studies, translating complex science into practical steps individuals and communities can take.

Moving Forward: Small Steps, Big Impact for Michigan’s Health

Michigan’s shifting top 10 causes of death list tells a story of real progress against COVID-19—and a persistent challenge from chronic diseases that touch nearly every family in the state. You can’t control everything about your health, but you can influence many of the biggest risk factors one small decision at a time.

Instead of trying to overhaul your life, choose one action you can take this week:

  • Book a checkup or overdue screening.
  • Take an extra 10‑minute walk on two days.
  • Plan one more home‑cooked meal.
  • Call a friend or loved one to check in on their health, too.

Over months and years, those modest steps add up—to fewer heart attacks and strokes, more cancer caught early, and more time spent doing what matters most with the people you love.

Your next step:

Take two minutes right now to write down one health goal for the next 30 days and one concrete action you’ll take this week to move toward it. Then, if possible, share it with someone who can support you—because health outcomes may be measured in statistics, but change usually starts with a conversation.