Community Factors Linked to Lower Suicide Rates, CDC Report Finds

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a critical link between community-level factors and suicide rates. The findings, released today, indicate that increased access to health insurance, broadband internet, and higher household income are associated with lower suicide rates across U.S. Counties.

Suicide Rates and Community Conditions

The CDC’s Vital Signs report reveals significant disparities in suicide rates based on these three key factors. Compared to counties with the lowest levels, suicide rates were:

• 26% lower in counties with the highest health insurance coverage
• 44% lower in counties where most homes have broadband internet access
• 13% lower in counties with the most household income

These findings underscore the importance of addressing social and economic determinants of health as part of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy.

Rising Suicide Rates and Vulnerable Populations

Despite growing awareness and prevention efforts, suicide rates in the United States remain high. Tragically, over 49,000 people died by suicide in 2022, with provisional data suggesting a similar number in 2023 . Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-34.

Certain populations are disproportionately affected, including:

• American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons (27.1 per 100,000)
• Males (23.0 per 100,000)
• Rural residents (20.0 per 100,000)
• People aged 45-64 (19 per 100,000)

A Multifaceted Approach to Prevention

Preventing suicide requires a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple risk and protective factors. The CDC report emphasizes the need to improve conditions in communities by:

• Strengthening household financial security to ensure access to basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare.
• Fostering healthy community connections and social networks.
• Increasing access to healthcare providers, telehealth, mental health services, and crisis intervention, particularly in underserved areas.

“Improving the conditions where people are born, grow, live, function, and age is an often overlooked aspect of suicide prevention,” said Alison Cammack, Ph.D., M.P.H., CDC health scientist and lead author of the report .

CDC’s Ongoing Efforts

The CDC is actively working to prevent suicide through various initiatives, including:

• Providing data systems, scientific expertise, and funding to state and local health departments and organizations.
• Funding 28 programs nationwide that implement comprehensive suicide prevention strategies.
• Supporting rapid response teams to investigate unexpected increases in suicide rates in specific communities.

How You Can Help

Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention. The CDC recommends learning the warning signs of suicide risk, such as isolation, loss, mental illness, and substance use. If you notice these signs in someone you know, take these five steps:

1. Ask: Directly ask if they are thinking about suicide.
2. Be There: Listen and offer support.
3. Keep Them Safe: Ensure they are physically safe.
4. Help Them Connect: Link them with resources.
5. Follow Up: Continue to check in on them.

Resources are available through the CDC and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 .

For more information, explore the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and accompanying Federal Action Plan.