Firearm Suicide Rates by Race and Ethnicity
Firearm suicides account for approximately one half of all suicides, and this proportion has been increasing. The annual U.S. firearm suicide rate increased approximately 11% from 7.3 per 100,000 during 2019 to 8.1 during 2022, the highest documented level since at least 1968.
Firearm suicide rates increased in all racial and ethnic groups from 2019 through 2022. The persistent upward trend in firearm suicide rates since 2020 across all racial and ethnic groups, coupled with the unprecedented high rates during 2022, highlight the need for continued prevention efforts.
Kaczkowski, W., Kegler, S.R., Chen M.S., Zwald, M.L., Stone, D.M., & Sumner, S.A. (2023). Notes from the Field: Firearm Suicide Rates, by Race and Ethnicity — United States, 2019–2022. Morbidity and Mortalilty Weekly Report, 72(48):1307–1308. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/72/wr/mm7242a4.htm