The age-adjusted death rates for stroke in all U.S. Census regions in the United States generally decreased from 1970 to 2013, although the rates in all regions were relatively stable from 1992 to 1999. From 1970 to 2013, the rate decreased an average of 3.3% per year in the South, 3.2% in the Midwest, 3.3% in the West, and 3.4% in the Northeast. Throughout the period, the rate was the highest in the South and lowest in the Northeast region.
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6413a9.htm?s_cid=mm6413a9_e