Jackson Ranks Third in U.S. Asthma Mortality Rates

The city now faces one of the highest asthma-related death rates among the 100 largest U.S. metropolitan areas.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Asthma

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an architectural facade with a subtle medical cross, representing systemic urban health challenges. — Jackson currently ranks third in U.S. asthma mortality, with systemic healthcare barriers and air quality issues complicating management for local patients. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jackson currently ranks third in asthma-related mortality among the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Data from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America also shows the city has become more challenging for patients to manage, moving from 63rd to 36th on their annual ranking list between 2023 and 2026.

Why it matters

Management difficulties in the area are compounded by poverty, limited access to insurance, and systemic disparities that disproportionately impact Black residents. These factors are further complicated by a lack of regional air quality monitoring and frequent barriers to medical care.

Official data confirms 239 asthma-related deaths in Mississippi from 2020 to 2024, with Black residents experiencing twice the mortality rate of white residents. Only 10 of the 82 counties in the state currently operate air quality monitoring stations.

The players

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

This national nonprofit organization provides research and data on asthma trends to improve the lives of patients suffering from allergic diseases.

American Lung Association

This voluntary health organization works to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education, and advocacy.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This federal agency acts as the national public health institute of the United States to protect people from health threats.

The details

Asthma causes chronic inflammation that narrows airways and restricts oxygen flow, making consistent access to care vital for survival. Patients often struggle to attend appointments due to a lack of transportation and the ongoing closure of rural hospitals.

2020-2024: 239 Mississippians died from asthma-related complications.
2023: Jackson ranked as the 63rd most challenging city for asthma management.
2025: Jackson ranked 47th on the annual challenge list.
April 2026: The American Lung Association released a report card giving the Jackson metro area a B grade for ozone pollution.
October 2026: Mississippi entered its annual peak asthma season driven by viral outbreaks and pollen.

Health Landscape

The regional asthma crisis follows patterns identified in the American Lung Association's State of the Air report, which monitors ozone levels across the country. Poor air quality grades in the Jackson area serve as a key metric for understanding the current mortality disparities.

Residents should recognize that peak asthma season begins each October due to rising pollen counts and fall viruses. Patients living in areas without local air quality monitors are encouraged to consult their primary care physician regarding specific local triggers.

The takeaway

Patients are encouraged to maintain strict medication adherence, especially during the volatile fall season. Accessing specialized care remains the most effective way to mitigate the risks of severe airway inflammation in a high-mortality region.