The Center for Health Statistics has significant delays for custom data files and research requests. Standard data files are currently available to order with a valid DSA.
If you have questions, you can email CHS.DataRequests@doh.wa.gov. Normal turnaround times are delayed.
Important Note: A vital records law and rules are in effect that changed the requirements for requesting vital records data.
For increased security of personal and sensitive information, a data sharing agreement (DSA) is required for all vital records data, including death data. There are fees for data files, analysis, and data requests. Each application will be reviewed and vetted for compliance to laws and regulations. Sample Data Sharing Agreement.
Government agencies and Tribal governments may receive birth and fetal death record data with direct identifiers for non-research public health work by signing a DSA.
For more information, visit the Data Request FAQ page.
View the Data
The Department of Health provides information through interactive dashboards. These dashboards allow users to:
- Find out more about our fetal and infant death data
- Interact with charts, maps, and graphs
- Export the data as a spreadsheet
How to purchase files
These are record level data files. Working with these data files requires use of spreadsheet, database management, or statistical software that are not provided. A Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) is required to access all vital records data, now including death data. Sample Data Sharing Agreement
A DSA documents the conditions under which the Department of Health shares limited datasets containing potentially identifiable information with outside entities. By signing the DSA, the recipient(s) of the data agrees to not link information with any other information that could identify an individual or use the information to contact any individuals. Data may not be disclosed unless agreed upon in the DSA.
Data Files available for purchase
Fetal Death Statistical File (1992 to 2021)
Information about fetal deaths (≥ 20 weeks gestation); including cause of death, mother's age, and fetal weight. Only annual files available.
Fetal Death Data Dictionary 1992-2018 (Word)
Fetal Death Statistical File - Data Dictionary and Crosswalk (Excel)
Infant Death Files (1981 to 2021)
Information from the medical and statistical section of the birth certificate linked to death certificate data for infants less than 1 year of age. Only annual files available.
Data Dictionary 1981-2015 (Word)
Infant Death Data Dictionary and Crosswalks (Excel)
More information
- Vital Statistics Technical Notes (PDF) provides more information about all vital statistics data, including data quality and recommended uses.
- 2010-2020 Highlights – Vital Statistics Factsheet (PDF)
- Overview Table (Excel) provides a historical context for interpreting vital statistics in Washington State from 1910 through 2020. This table shows live births, deaths, infant deaths, and fetal deaths for Washington residents.
- WSIRB - Research
Sign up for email notifications
Sign up for email notification for notification of data file availability and updates.
Our office has these topics: CHARS Data Users, Vital Statistics Data, and BRFSS Data Users.
Contact us
Email us at: CHS.DataRequests@doh.wa.gov