Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts millions of adults in the United States, but the risk isn’t the same for everyone. Age, race, ethnicity, underlying health conditions and where someone lives all influence disease risk and outcomes. Understanding CKD statistics helps highlight these differences and encourage earlier detection and more proactive kidney care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 14% of U.S. adults, or about 37 million people, have the disease based on current estimates. However, approximately 87% of adults with the disease don’t know they have the condition. These CKD statistics demonstrate why awareness, testing and preventive care remain important.
At Richmond Nephrology Associates in Mechanicsville, Petersburg, Midlothian and Richmond, VA, we emphasize early detection. because identifying the disease sooner provides an opportunity to manage risk factors and help slow progression.
Kidney Disease Data by Age
Age is one of the strongest factors associated with the disease. The CDC estimates that the disease affects approximately 6% of adults ages 18 to 44, 13% of adults ages 45 to 64 and 34% of adults age 65 and older. These CKD statistics show how the disease becomes more common with advancing age.
The CDC’s Kidney Disease Surveillance System also shows a steady increase in the disease’s prevalence as age increases. In data from 2017 through March 2020, the disease affected about 6.1% of adults ages 18 to 39, 10.9% of those ages 40 to 59, 18.5% of those ages 60 to 69 and 38.4% of adults age 70 and older.
These numbers highlight why kidney health deserves greater attention as people age. Regular healthcare visits and appropriate kidney testing helps identify changes before the disease becomes more advanced.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities
The disease also affects racial and ethnic groups differently. Current CDC estimates show the disease in approximately 22% of non-Hispanic Black adults, compared with 13% of non-Hispanic White adults and 12% of Hispanic adults. These CKD statistics highlight significant differences in disease prevalence among racial and ethnic groups.
The disparities become even more pronounced when looking at kidney failure. NIDDK reports that Black Americans are more than four times as likely as White Americans to develop end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Black Americans represent about 14% of the U.S. population but make up approximately 30% of people living with ESKD.
These differences reflect more than race alone. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure play major roles in disease risk, while differences in access to healthcare and other social and economic factors also contribute to disparities.
Regional Differences
Where a person lives can also affect disease rates. CDC surveillance data have identified higher rates of those diagnosed among older adults in parts of the Southeast, Appalachian region, Midwest and Southern California. Regional CKD statistics help demonstrate how kidney disease prevalence varies across different areas of the country.
A CDC analysis also found higher county-level disease prevalence in Florida and the Appalachian region, with many counties in the Southeast experiencing both higher disease prevalence and higher poverty levels.
These geographic patterns demonstrate why community health resources, access to medical care and preventive efforts remain important parts of addressing kidney disease disparities.
What Increases Risk?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the most important risk factors for the disease. The CDC estimates that about 38% of U.S. adults with diabetes have the disease, while approximately 21% of adults with high blood pressure have the disease. These CKD statistics emphasize the connection between managing chronic health conditions and protecting kidney function.
Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, family history of kidney disease, obesity, smoking and older age are among important disease risk factors.
Steps to Protect Kidney Health
Although some risk factors can’t be changed, many kidney-protective actions are within reach. Understanding CKD statistics reinforces the importance of keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control while supporting a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and avoiding smoking to support better kidney health.
We recommend monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar and making healthy lifestyle changes to help slow disease progression. Testing also plays an important role. Blood pressure measurement, urine albumin testing and serum creatinine testing helps detect the disease.
Knowing CKD statistics also reinforces the importance of knowing personal risk factors and discussing appropriate screening with a healthcare provider.
Early Detection Makes a Difference
Kidney disease data show clear differences by age, race and region, but they also point toward opportunities for prevention. People with risk factors should discuss kidney health with their healthcare providers and ask whether regular kidney function testing is appropriate.
The most important CKD statistics aren’t simply numbers; they help illustrate how many people live with the disease without knowing it. Early detection and personalized treatment provide opportunities to address contributing conditions and slow disease progression.
CKD Statistics: Schedule Your Appointment Today
At Richmond Nephrology Associates, we provide comprehensive kidney disease management and personalized care for patients in Mechanicsville, Petersburg, Midlothian and Richmond, VA.
Understanding CKD statistics by age, race and region is an important first step toward recognizing disparities and identifying opportunities for prevention. Regular monitoring, healthy lifestyle choices and timely medical care help more people protect their kidney health and reduce the impact of the disease. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
