What Percentage of Gun Deaths are Suicides? Firearm-Death Statistics in the U.S. (2024)

Related Studies: Accidental Shooting Statistics 1979-2024 | Gun Death Statistics by Caliber | Gun Deaths in the U.S. (At-Risk Demographics)

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Methodology

Deaths in the United States are recorded in the CDC WONDER database, which provides comprehensive data on mortality by various causes, including firearm-related deaths. The data in this report were compiled using CED WONDER, focusing on the underlying cause of death from 2018 to 2024. To ensure accuracy and reliability, the information was cross-referenced with other reputable sources, such as academic studies, government reports, and independent research publications.

The analysis included provisional data for 2023 and 2024, where available, and incorporated demographic breakdowns by race, gender, and age to provide a nuanced understanding of trends in firearm-related suicides. All findings are current as of November 2024.

Statistical tools and spreadsheets, including Google Sheets, were used to organize and analyze the data. Tables and percentages were calculated based on raw figures from the CDC database to present a clear and accurate depiction of gun deaths by suicide across various demographics.

Suicide Gun Deaths Percentage by Year

Between 2018 and 2024, 57% of all gun deaths in the U.S. were suicides. Before 2021, suicides accounted for over 60% of all firearm-related deaths. However, starting in 2021, firearm homicides began to rise, reducing the proportion of suicide-related gun deaths to between 50% and 58%.

This shift may be attributed to various social and economic factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, increased societal stress, and potential changes in gun ownership or accessibility. Understanding these dynamics is critical to addressing both suicide prevention and broader firearm-related violence. ^{2, 4}

Suicide Gun Deaths Percentage by Race

In 2023, 83% of all gun deaths among white Americans were suicides, compared to 67% among Asians, 46% among Native Americans, 38% among Hispanics, and only 17% among Black Americans. This demonstrates a significant disparity in how firearm-related deaths are distributed among racial groups. ^{1, 2}

Conversely, black Americans were more likely to be murdered than commit suicide, with 79% of firearm deaths being homicides, followed by 56% among Hispanics. These statistics highlight a stark contrast in firearm death causes between racial groups. ^{1, 2}

White Americans are more likely to commit suicide with a firearm, while all other racial groups are predominantly affected by homicide-related gun deaths. These differences may reflect varying social, economic, and environmental factors, such as access to firearms, mental health resources, and exposure to violence.

Suicide Gun Deaths Percentage by Age

Suicide accounts for more than half of all gun deaths across all age groups in the U.S. Among Americans aged 65 and older, 94% of firearm deaths are attributed to suicide, the highest percentage of any age group. In contrast, children aged 5 to 14 have the lowest percentage of suicide-related gun deaths, at 54%.^{1, 2}

For individuals aged 15 to 34, 75% of firearm deaths are due to suicide. This percentage steadily increases with age: 81% of firearm deaths among those aged 45 to 54 are suicides, rising to 87% for individuals aged 55 to 64.^{1, 2}

These trends suggest that older Americans are particularly inclined toward suicide involving firearms, potentially due to factors such as social isolation, declining health, and increased access to firearms in later life. By contrast, younger individuals experience a broader distribution of gun-related deaths, including homicides and accidents, alongside suicides.

Suicide Gun Deaths Percentage by Gender

In 2023, 39,344 men and 6,804 women died from gunshot wounds. Of these deaths, 59% of male gun deaths and 52% of female gun deaths were attributed to suicide.^{1, 2}

Women were more likely to die from firearm-related homicides than suicides, with 44% of female gun deaths resulting from homicide. In contrast, men were predominantly affected by firearm-related suicides, with 37% of male gun deaths caused by homicide.^{1, 2}

Suicides and Gun Deaths: Wrap-Up

More than half of all gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides, except among Black and Hispanic Americans, where firearm homicides are more prevalent. Suicide-related gun deaths increase significantly with age, while homicide-related deaths tend to decline in older populations.

In 2021, a rise in firearm homicides reduced the proportion of gun deaths attributed to suicides compared to previous years, highlighting shifting trends in gun-related violence.

Sources

1. CDC Wonder Data (Provisional Data)
2. CDC Wonder: Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2022
3. What the Data Says About Gun Deaths in the U.S.
4. Gun Deaths in America 2022