What Are The Top Health Risks For Minnesotans In 2026?

Let’s be honest: thinking about death isn’t exactly something most of us here in Minnesota want to do, especially when we’re just trying to enjoy a weekend up at the lake or survive another long winter. But new data has just revealed the biggest health risks Minnesotans face in 2026.

Even though we're lucky enough to live in an area of the state that has access to world-class medical care, there are still many risk factors facing us here in Rochester and across Minnesota.

Leading Causes of Death in Minnesota for 2026

Researchers at the insurance site, Compare the Market, recently took a closer look at what’s driving mortality rates in both the U.S. and here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. From heart disease and cancer to accidents and other serious conditions, their report tracked the most common causes of death locally and nationally.

ALSO INTERESTING: New Guidelines For Fish Caught in MN May Change What You Eat

When looking overall, the number-one risk factor both here in Minnesota and across the country is heart disease. Heart and vascular diseases cause 734.09 deaths per 100,000 residents here in Minnesota, the Compare the Market survey found.

How Minnesota Heart Disease Rates Compare Nationally

But our rate here in the Bold North is significantly lower than the state with the highest risk of heart disease, which is West Virginia. They topped the list and experienced the most fatalities associated with heart disease and similar conditions, with 1,397.27 cases per 100k people, the survey said.

Get our free mobile app

Mississippi followed in second place with 1,277.97 deaths per 100,000 residents, while Alabama ranked third with 1,248.28 per 100,000. On the other end of the spectrum is the state of Utah, which registered just 563.60 deaths from heart and vascular diseases per 100,000 residents, making it the least affected state in the country.

Top 10 Health Risks and Prevention Tips for Minnesotans

Here is the complete list of the top 10 biggest health risks facing Minnesotans in 2026, and their occurrences per 100,000 residents:

Heart & Vascular Diseases — 734.09
Cancer — 377.14
Accidents & Injuries — 229.20
Respiratory Diseases — 107.93
Neurological Diseases — 53.60
Metabolic Diseases (including diabetes) — 33.73
Digestive System Diseases — 32.50
Infectious Diseases — 31.99
Undiagnosed Conditions — 19.41
Genitourinary Diseases (affecting urinary/reproductive systems) — 18.46

The study also noted that one of the best ways to prevent heart disease is to get out and get active and take part in regular exercise. However, if you are going to head out in the great outdoors, keep scrolling to check out some animals to be aware of in the North Star State, because they're the 12 deadliest animals in Minnesota!

You Won't Believe The List Of Minnesota's 8 Deadliest Animals

When you think of Minnesota you probably picture lakes, camping, fishing, and Paul Bunyan. But there are also native animals that live in the state that can rough you up or even kill you.