RAND Corporation, an independent research organization, examined state-level mortality data to compare state-by-state and national-level rates of death.  An interactive map that sorts by gender, race (Black, White, and Hispanic), urban/non-urban, and age shows that 29 of 50 states have an annual rate of death higher than the national average.  The data originated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which last year announced historically high rates of firearm homicide nationwide and the highest rates of firearm suicide in rural areas.  RAND reports that suicide deaths drive the overall death rate higher in nonurban areas.  A second interactive map shows how adding or removing firearm laws could affect death rates in each state.

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