What's the leading cause of death for DeKalb County residents before the age of 75?

Mortality rates by cause of death in DeKalb County in 2014 (number of deaths per 100,000 population)

1. Cardiovascular (175.2)

2. Cancer (141.8)

3. External Causes (47.2)

4. Mental and behavioral disorders (47.1)

5. Respiratory (42.8)

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez