Where in the U.S. Are Adults at the Highest Risk of Brain Injury? New Study Reveals Top States

• Alaska tops the list with 966 Years of Potential Life Lost (Years of Potential Life Lost) per 100,000 residents aged 25–59, more than double the national average of 476.

• Wyoming (second) and Montana (third) reported 848 and 831 Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 residents, respectively.

• Massachusetts reported 147 Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 476.

The study shows Alaska experienced the highest loss of potential life years due to brain injuries among adults in the U.S.

The research by personal injury law firm CR Legal Team, analyzed data from the CDC WISQARS system on brain injury–related Years of Potential Life Lost (Years of Potential Life Lost) among adults aged 25–59 across all 50 U.S. states from 2018 to 2023. The average Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 residents was calculated to identify the states where brain injuries take the greatest toll.

Alaska leads the nation, with an annual average of 966 Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 adults aged 25–59 between 2018 and 2023, a 102.9% increase compared to the national average of 476. The Last Frontier reported a population of 346,493 in this age group, with an average of 3,348 life years lost each year. The highest toll came in 2023 with 3,467 Years of Potential Life Lost, while the lowest occurred in 2018 with 3,122.

Wyoming ranks second, with an annual average of 848 Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 residents, 78.2% higher than the national average of 476. The Equality State recorded a population of 253,139 adults aged 25–59, losing an average of 2,146 years annually. The highest toll came in 2020 with 2,718 Years of Potential Life Lost, while the lowest occurred in 2018 with 1,908.

Montana ranks third, reporting an annual average of 831 Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 adults, 74.6% higher than the national average of 476. The Treasure State counted 467,725 residents in this age group, with an average of 3,886 years lost annually. Losses peaked in 2023 with 4,439 Years of Potential Life Lost, and were lowest in 2019 with 3,069.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson at CR Legal Team commented:

“The findings highlight that states like Alaska, Wyoming, and Montana face the greatest burden of brain injuries among working-age adults.

“Brain injury is a devastating public health issue, robbing individuals of years of productivity and families of loved ones in their prime. These disparities likely reflect differences in healthcare access, safety measures, and preventive programs across states.”

The data underscores the urgent need for stronger injury prevention strategies, public awareness, and early intervention programs to reduce avoidable losses from brain injuries.”

New Mexico ranks fourth, at an annual average of 697 Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 residents, 46.4% above the national average of 476. The state reported an average of 6,352 years lost annually among 911,030 adults aged 25–59.

Mississippi ranks fifth, at an annual average of 693 Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 residents, 45.6% above the national average of 476. The state counted 1,287,369 residents in this age group, losing an average of 8,918 years annually.

South Carolina (6th) reported 684 Years of Potential Life Lost per 100,000 residents, followed by Missouri (7th) at 648, Idaho (8th) at 645, Arkansas (9th) at 613, and North Dakota (10th) at 600.

Table for Extended Results:

The study was conducted by CR Legal Team, dedicated to standing up for the rights of accident and injury victims. With a mission to guide clients through the challenges that follow life-altering events, the firm has helped thousands across the community pursue justice and move forward. A national law firm advocating for injury victims across the United States.

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P.S. If using this story, please link and credit to https://www.crlegalteam.com/

Methodology

The study analyzed CDC WISQARS data on brain injury–related Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) among adults aged 25–59 across all 50 U.S. states from 2018 to 2023. The average YPLL per 100,000 residents was calculated to rank the states where brain injuries have the greatest impact.

Data Sources

• Brain Injury Data → https://wisqars.cdc.gov/reports/?o=MORT&y1=2023&y2=2023&t=1&i=0&m=20810&g=00&me=0&s=0&r=0&ry=2&e=0&yp=65&a=5Yr&g1=0&g2=5&a1=0&a2=199&r1=INTENT&r2=NONE&r3=NONE&r4=NONE
• Research Dataset → https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xX8RebR0prz8c_z4kvI2EQ4kzu5h4Q9y_1w7KzcuV3w/edit?gid=0#gid=0
• Study by → https://www.crlegaltebam.com/