South and Southwest Georgia Experience Highest Infant Mortality Rates, Report Finds

Infant mortality rates vary sharply across Georgia, with the highest death rates concentrated in rural and southern regions, according to the 2025 State of the State Report from the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA).

HMHBGA mapping shows that Georgia’s Southwest (Albany), West Central (Columbus) and South Central (Dublin) public health districts recorded the highest infant mortality rates last year, reaching 10 to 11 deaths per 1,000 live births. In contrast, lower rates — between 5 and 6 — were found in North Georgia (Dalton) and the North district (Gainesville).

The report also highlights major racial disparities between public health districts. Regions such as Southeast (Waycross), North Central (Macon) and West Central (Columbus) reported Black–white infant mortality gaps ranging from 9 to 16 deaths per 1,000 live births, some of the widest disparities in the state. Meanwhile, districts like Northeast (Athens) and Southwest (Albany) showed smaller gaps of up to four deaths per 1,000.

These geographic differences mirror patterns in provider access. Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that maternal mortality and infant health outcomes are often worse in communities with fewer obstetric clinicians or where prenatal care is limited. March of Dimes has identified more than a third of U.S. counties as maternity care deserts, where residents lack access to birthing hospitals, OB-GYNs or midwives.

Advocates say the uneven distribution of healthcare resources leaves families in many parts of Georgia without timely prenatal support. State lawmakers have expanded postpartum Medicaid coverage and invested in maternal home-visiting programs, but experts warn that improving outcomes requires earlier and more consistent access to care.

HMHBGA said the geographic trends reflect “pronounced disparities in infant health outcomes,” particularly in rural and economically distressed regions of the state. The organization’s findings show that where a family lives remains a major predictor of infant health and survival.