Maybe it's morbid curiosity that led you to click on this story? Heck, that was the reason why I researched it.

Well, that and I turn 43 this weekend. So... with another about to tick away, I'm starting to find health and health issues more fascinating and important.

I wanted to find the main reason Iowans pass away, the top killer. I also wanted to use more recent data since we all know COVID has thrown things out of whack for several years.

97.7 KCRR logo
Get our free mobile app

Talking about health issues can be a little difficult sometimes, but I was able, using CDC data, to find the top 10 reasons people in Iowa die.

I was happy to see that most of these are preventable, or at least, up to each of us to control and hopefully prevent.

Iowa Health and General Wellness

A lot is made about health and wellness in America. For good reason. Nationally, you've likely heard that cancer rates are down. In Iowa, however, we have the second-fastest-growing rate of cancer.

READ MORE: Major Vegetable Recall Impacting Iowa

While cancers of any kind are not the number one cause of death in our state, it's still worth noting they're higher in Iowa than in many other states, and rising, which is scary.

Photo by Martha Dominguez de Gouveia on Unsplash
Photo by Martha Dominguez de Gouveia on Unsplash
loading...

While Iowa is far from the least healthy state, we still could do better.

READ MORE: Iowa Farmers Markets Are Back! Check 'Em Out Here

Our Leading Causes of Death

For Iowans, the leading causes of death center around heart health. Cancer is in the top 10, as is diabetes. You can see them all below.

The data compiled for this is from the CDC. They have information on everything in Iowa, from the fertility rate to the divorce rate.

Of course, we're going a little darker today...

Top 10 Causes of Death in Iowa

These are the leading causes of death in the Hawkeye State.

Gallery Credit: Johnny Marks

All of Iowa's Best Burger Winners Since 2010

Every year, the Iowa Beef Industry Council puts on a contest to figure out which restaurant has the most delicious burger in the state. Here are all all the honorees that are still in business as of May 2025:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

More From 97.7 KCRR