How many people in the US have Spina Bifida?

US prevalence estimate: ~1 in 2,857 U.S. births each year; at least 92,551 insured people in the United States were living with spina bifida in 2019 (3.20 per 10,000 insured people) (CDC — Data and Statistics on Spina Bifida (updated Sept. 10, 2026)).

Spina Bifida

Spina Bifida is indexed under Pediatric-Onset Chronic, Neural Tube Defects. Also known as myelomeningocele.

US prevalence: ~1 in 2,857 U.S. births each year; at least 92,551 insured people in the United States were living with spina bifida in 2019 (3.20 per 10,000 insured people) Source: CDC — Data and Statistics on Spina Bifida (updated Sept. 10, 2026). Federal source. Label: VERIFIED.
ICD-10-CM codes: Q05
Typical onset: Present at birth; lifelong
Course: lifelong
Body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, urologic
Sex differences: F:M slightly higher
Racial and ethnic differences: Higher in Hispanic Americans

What this page does not establish

These figures describe populations, not individuals, and none of them is a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Prevalence estimates are approximate and reflect published ranges. Disparity figures are reported patterns, not causes.

Taxonomy last reviewed 2026-05-19. Each figure on the interactive page carries its own source and retrieval date, which can be later than this review.

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