Rising Firearm Suicides Drive Overall Suicide Trends

From 2014 to 2024, over half a million lives (516,790) were lost to suicide in the United States. While overall suicide deaths have declined slightly since 2022, a concerning trend has emerged: firearm suicides continue to rise, reaching a new high in 2024. Firearms accounted for 57% of all suicides in 2024, a significant increase from 50% in 2014. This shift coincides with changes in gun ownership, including a surge in new buyers during the pandemic and increasing diversity among gun owners.

The Launch of 988 and its Impact

In July 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was launched nationwide, replacing the previous 10-digit number with an easily remembered three-digit code. This lifeline connects individuals in distress to counselors at over 200 local crisis call centers and other crisis services. Since its launch through October 2025, 988 has received more than 19 million calls, texts, or chats, with improved answer rates and shorter wait times.

Overall Suicide Trends and Demographic Variations

The age-adjusted suicide death rate in 2024 was 13.7 per 100,000 people. While total suicide deaths peaked in 2022 at 49,476 and decreased slightly to 48,824 in 2024, the decrease in overall suicides is contrasted by the increase in firearm-related suicides.

In 2024, suicide death rates were highest among American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) people (22.5 per 100,000) and males (22.3 per 100,000). Over the past decade, suicide rates have increased most significantly among Black people, while rates have remained stable or declined somewhat for adults aged 45 to 64, and females.

Trends Over the Past Decade

From 2014 to 2024, suicide death rates increased by 17% among adults aged 18 to 25 (from 13.4 to 15.7 per 100,000) and 13% among those aged 26 to 44 (from 15.9 to 18.0 per 100,000). Rates increased more among people of color than among White people, with a 53% increase among Black people (from 5.7 to 8.7 per 100,000) and a 27% increase among Hispanic people (from 6.3 to 8.0 per 100,000). Suicide rates among White people rose by only 5% over the same period (from 16.4 to 17.2 per 100,000).

State-Level Variations in Suicide Deaths

Suicide death rates varied significantly across states in 2024, ranging from 5.7 per 100,000 in Washington D.C. To 29.7 in Alaska. Rates tended to be higher in many Western states and lower in parts of the Northeast and some coastal states. About four in ten states had stable or lower suicide rates than in 2014, while rates increased in the remaining states.

Between 2014 and 2024, suicide death rates decreased or remained stable in 22 states, with the largest declines in Washington D.C. (-27%), Vermont (-21%), and New Jersey (-19%). Rates increased by 15% or more in 10 states, with the largest increases in Wyoming (35%), Alaska (34%), and Iowa (33%).

The Role of Firearms in Suicide Deaths

Firearm suicides reached their highest level in 2024, while suicides by other means decreased. Total suicide deaths peaked in 2022 and fell slightly by 2024 (about 600 fewer deaths). Even as overall suicides decreased, firearm suicides rose to their highest level in 2024, approximately 6,000 higher than in 2014, and accounted for 57% of all suicides in 2024 (up from 50% a decade ago). Greater access to firearms can reduce opportunities for intervention due to their high lethality.

Some state policies, including extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) and other gun laws, have been linked to declines in firearm suicides.

Where to Seek Help

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.