For three consecutive years, firearms have remained the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States. This sobering reality, highlighted by recent data from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicates that gun-related injuries now claim more young lives than car crashes or cancer.
The Current State of Firearm Mortality in the U.S.
Firearm-related injuries are a critical public health challenge affecting individuals across all stages of life. According to 2022 mortality data from the CDC, there were more than 48,000 firearm-related deaths in the United States. This averages to approximately 132 deaths every day.
These deaths generally fall into two primary categories: suicide and homicide. The CDC reports that more than half of all firearm-related deaths were suicides, while more than four out of every 10 were homicides. It’s also important to note that nonfatal injuries are even more common, with the majority of medically treated firearm injuries resulting from assaults.
Why Youth Are Most at Risk
The impact on the younger population is particularly severe. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reports that firearms killed more children and teens between the ages of 1 and 17 than any other cause. Similarly, CDC data confirms that firearm injuries were the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1 to 19 in 2022.
The Lethality of Firearm Attempts
One of the most concerning aspects of firearm violence is the high lethality of the method. In cases of suicide, most people who use a firearm in an attempt die from their injury, leaving very little room for intervention or medical rescue compared to other methods of self-harm.
Demographics and Disproportionate Impacts
Firearm violence doesn’t affect all populations equally. There are stark disparities based on gender, age and ethnicity.
Gender and Age
Men are disproportionately affected by firearm violence, accounting for 86% of all firearm deaths and 87% of firearm injuries. When looking at homicides specifically, the rates are highest among teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 34.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities
The data reveals significant inequities in who is most affected by firearm homicides. The highest rates are found among:
- Black or African American persons
- American Indian or Alaska Native persons
- Hispanic or Latino persons
Conversely, firearm suicide rates are highest among adults aged 75 and older, as well as Non-Hispanic White persons and American Indian or Alaska Native persons.
- Firearms are the leading cause of death for U.S. Children and teens (ages 1-19).
- In 2022, over 48,000 people died from firearm-related injuries.
- Suicides account for more than 50% of all firearm deaths.
- Men represent 86% of firearm death victims.
- Firearm homicide rates disproportionately affect Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the leading cause of death for U.S. Teens?
According to both the CDC and Johns Hopkins, firearm injuries are now the leading cause of death for children and teens, surpassing previous leading causes like motor vehicle accidents.
Are most youth firearm deaths caused by homicides?
While homicides are a major driver—particularly among teens and young adults ages 15-34—suicides account for more than half of all firearm-related deaths overall in the U.S. Population.
Which groups face the highest risk of firearm homicide?
Firearm homicide rates are highest among young adults (15-34) and are disproportionately higher for Black, Hispanic, and American Indian or Alaska Native individuals.
Moving Forward
The data underscores a pressing need to address the social and structural conditions that drive violence and suicide. By understanding the demographics most at risk and the lethality of firearms, public health officials and policymakers can better implement targeted interventions to protect the most vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents.