Americans consume a disproportionately high amount of the world’s opioids, accounting for 80% of global consumption despite comprising only about 5% of the world’s population.
To identify the American cities with the highest opioid-related death rates, we relied on data from Drexel University’s Big City Health Coalition. This data encompassed cities of varying sizes and economic statuses and was based on the rate of opioid-related deaths per 100,000 individuals, without regard to race or gender. The information was gathered using the CDC’s data.
#1 is by far the highest and significantly struggles with this crisis.
20. New York City, New York
Despite its vast population of 8.8 million, New York City surprisingly ranks lowest among the top twenty American cities in opioid-related overdose deaths, with a rate of 16 per 100,000 people.
19. Portland, Oregon
With a population exceeding six hundred thousand, Portland, Oregon’s largest port city, manages vast cargo annually. Yet, it records 16.6 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000, reflecting a significant public health challenge.
18. Seattle, Washington
Seattle, nestled in the American Northwest and renowned as a burgeoning technology hub, hosts Amazon’s headquarters. Despite its innovation prestige, it faces a grim statistic of 16.9 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
17. Denver, Colorado
Denver, Colorado’s bustling capital with over seven hundred thousand residents, stands as a pivotal transportation hub. This city faces a concerning rate of 21 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
16. Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, with its vast population of over 1.6 million, is not only among America’s largest cities but also a key economic center, hosting several Fortune 500 companies. However, it grapples with 26.9 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
15. Minneapolis, Minnesota
While on the smaller side of our list, Minneapolis stands as Minnesota’s largest city with over 400,000 residents, hosting key banking and retail companies. Yet, it faces a critical rate of 27 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
14. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, a beacon of prosperity and development in America, thrives as a leading biotechnology hub and is home to some of the nation’s largest and most prestigious hospitals. Yet, it reports 29.5 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
13. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, America’s third-largest city with 2.7 million residents, is a major business hub facing significant challenges, including high crime rates. It experiences 32.6 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
12. Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, with over half a million residents, stands as one of Arizona’s largest and oldest cities, established in the late eighteenth century. It confronts a troubling rate of 35.9 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
11. San Francisco, California
San Francisco, renowned as America’s technology epicenter, hosts or neighbors many of the world’s largest tech firms. Despite its innovation prowess, it faces 36.04 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
10. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis, Tennessee’s second-largest city by population, leads the state in a distressing category, recording the highest rate of opioid abuse deaths at 37.8 per 100,000 population.
9. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., America’s capital, known for its high cost of living, faces a significant public health crisis with 38.6 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
8. Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, the bustling capital of Indiana, nearly reaching a million residents, serves as a vital logistics and transportation hub. Yet, it contends with 44.8 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest city, boasts a diversified economy, home to several Fortune 500 companies. Despite its economic strengths, it faces a stark reality of 47 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
6. Detroit, Michigan
Detroit, Michigan’s largest city, is an important figure in the automotive industry. Yet, it grapples with a substantial issue of 48.7 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
4. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, steeped in American history as the meeting ground of the Founding Fathers and the birthplace of the U.S., confronts a dire statistic with 53.5 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
3. Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio, the state’s capital with nearly a million residents, boasts a diversified economy encompassing aviation, healthcare, and logistics. Yet, it faces a critical opioid crisis, with 54.1 overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
2. Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland, Ohio, a pivotal economic center hosting Fortune 500 firms and the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, underscores Ohio’s critical opioid challenge. With 58.5 deaths per 100,000, it marks Ohio as the sole state with two cities leading in opioid fatalities.
1. Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland, with its population exceeding half a million and status as the state’s largest city, has a rich history dating back to 1730. As a global trade hub and home to the esteemed Johns Hopkins Hospital, it faces a staggering opioid crisis, recording 109.5 overdose deaths per 100,000 population.
