Report Highlights: Suicides account for more than half of firearm-related deaths among nearly every demographic each year.
- Between 2018 and 2024, 57% of all firearm-related deaths were suicides.
- Among white Americans, 83% of gun deaths are suicides, compared to 38% among Hispanics and 17% among Black Americans.
- On average, 77.81% of gun deaths across all age groups are suicides, with the rate increasing among older age groups.
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
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