Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is on the rise in New Jersey, with hospital data showing a nearly 60% increase in prevalence among admitted patients since 2016, according to a new analysis by the New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA).
The growing number of diagnoses affects people of all ages, genders, and racial and ethnic groups, the report by NJHA’s Center for Health Analytics, Research and Transformation (CHART) found. However, Black New Jerseyans face disproportionately high mortality rates.
CKD involves progressive damage and loss of kidney function and is linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity—factors considered central to its rise. In advanced stages, the disease can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant.
NJHA analyzed hospital discharge records from 2016 to 2024 and examined age-adjusted death rates from the New Jersey State Health Assessment Data (NJSHAD). Key findings include:
In 2024, 18.3% of New Jersey hospital patients had CKD.
CKD prevalence is higher among men, rising from 4.9% in 2016 to 7.7% in 2024, a 57.4% increase. Women saw a rise from 3.1% to 4.8%, a 57.9% increase.
Older adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, had higher rates: 16% in 2024, compared with 5.8% for those aged 45–64.
All racial groups saw increased CKD rates, but Black and White patients consistently had the highest prevalence.
While overall mortality rates from CKD remained stable or slightly declined between 2000 and 2023, Black New Jerseyans experienced higher death rates. Black males had the highest age-adjusted mortality at 38.9 per 100,000, compared with 18.7 for all males. Black females had a rate of 27.9, versus 14.2 for all women.
“The complex picture surrounding CKD—rising incidence alongside improved overall mortality—may reflect better diagnosis and treatment,” said NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett. “But the disproportionate impact on Black New Jerseyans underscores the need to address access, equity, and social determinants of health in our communities.”
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