Every state tracks information about deaths, and that information can actually be very insightful for funeral planning now that it’s possible to make advanced death care arrangements. With one of the largest populations in the country, Texas has a lot of death data to track.
Our team keeps up with the statistics, and we’re sharing details about why Texas tracks death information, where that information can be found and why it’s useful for state residents that need to plan funeral services.
Why Death Information is Recorded
Let’s start by addressing why information about deaths is recorded in the first place. States track death data for several key reasons:
- To get a better idea of health issues that residents face – The state is able to keep people informed about health risks by tracking death data. For example, if there is an outbreak or illness that people need to protect themselves against.
- To track health trends – Texas officials will know how to allocate funds and ways to ensure the state is prepared for certain health risks that are getting worse by gauging health trends.
- For legal purposes – Tracking death data allows the state to ensure that legal processes are followed and that information is properly recorded.
- Compare the state to national averages: State death data can be compared to national averages to gauge how Texas is doing at keeping residents healthy. If the state statistics are off from national numbers it can indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.
- For state population purposes – The state also has to plan ahead based on how many residents are in the state. Birth and death data along with migration data are used to make population projections.
Every single death is recorded and that data feeds into the collective whole for the state. It’s highly informative, but don’t worry about personal information. The metrics that are being collected aren’t connected to the people who died.
Where Texas Death Records Come From
Death certificates serve a number of purposes and one of them is to record information. They are the basis for statewide death statistics, but they are registered in the county where the death occurred. The information is also used by national organizations that track death data across the country.
Texas death statistics are collected and reported by the:
- Centers For Disease Control (CDC)
- National Institute of Health (NIH)
- Texas Health and Human Services Department
- Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Section
These organizations get information from municipal and county-level at county health departments and county clerk offices. Collectively the information gathered by each county creates the state snapshot.
Be aware that death data is also reported on at state universities and other medical organizations that may focus on where part of the data. For example, medical research centers may gather data on a specific type of cancer.
Texas Death Record Information That Can Inform Funeral Planning
So, what can Texans take away from the information about death in the state? A lot in terms of funeral planning, especially now that advanced services are possible. Death data can give you a better idea of when to start planning, if there will be limitations and if your location within the state makes a difference.
The Average Life Expectancy
People in Texas may not like hearing that the average life expectancy in the state falls short of the national average. Looking at data over the last few years, the average life expectancy in Texas ranges from 74.5 to 78.5 years old. Currently, the national average life expectancy is 78.6 years old.
Where People Die the Soonest
If you live in rural areas of North Texas, you may not want to wait until age 74 to make advanced funeral arrangements. Based on the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute’s 2024 County Health Rankings & Roadmaps in this region of the state the life expectancy is lower. The counties with the lowest life expectancy are:
Red River County – 69.6 years old
Coleman County – 70.2 years old
Baylor County – 70.7 years old
Crosby County – 70.7 years old
Polk County – 70.8 years old
The truth is, your community influences when you die. Environmental factors can have a direct effect on health as well as socioeconomic considerations such as poverty and education levels.
Moral of the story: your location within Texas may need to be factored into funeral planning.
Sudden vs Expected Deaths
How people die is also informative. The cause of death can tell you whether it was expected or sudden, giving the family no time to plan in advance.
The leading causes of death in Texas are:
- Heart Disease – 21% of deaths
- Cancer – 18% of deaths
- Injuries or Accidents – 6% of deaths
Heart disease deaths are tough because it can be sudden or expected. Many people have heart attacks not realizing they have heart disease. Today, 90% of people survive a heart attack and are able to treat the problem. The 5-year survival rate is up to 62.3%. For many people, surviving a heart attack prompts them to plan for the future, and advanced funeral arrangements can be part of the planning. But for the 10% of people who don’t make it the death is sudden and families can find themselves totally unprepared.
While a cancer diagnosis usually isn’t expected, even with poor prognosis there’s a period where the person has time to make arrangements if they wish. But injuries and accidents are another story. These are deaths that no one sees coming and can happen at any age. Not surprisingly, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause in Texas.
At Cremation.Green we help families in Texas with all types of funeral planning, including eco-friendly funeral services that aren’t readily available in the state. Whether it’s at-need or in advance, we’re here for you when you need us. You can reach us by phone, text or email at any hour seven days a week.
