Suicide Statistics (2025): U.S. Rates, Methods, and Risk Factors
This quick-reference table highlights authoritative, U.S.-only suicide statistics from the CDC, NIMH, VA, SAMHSA, The Trevor Project, and other national sources so readers can easily verify the data.
Top 25 U.S. Suicide Statistics (Latest)
Last updated: September 27, 2025
| # | Key Statistic (U.S.) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suicide deaths (2023): 49,316. | CDC/NCHS |
| 2 | Age-adjusted suicide rate (2023): 14.1 per 100,000. | NIMH |
| 3 | Average per day (2023): ~135 deaths/day. | CDC/NCHS |
| 4 | Leading cause rank (2023): 11th overall. | NIMH |
| 5 | Among ages 10–14, 15–24, 25–44 (2023): Suicide ranked 2nd. | NIMH |
| 6 | Rate by sex (2023): Men 22.8 vs. Women 5.9 per 100,000. | NIMH |
| 7 | Share of deaths (2023): Men accounted for ~79% of suicides. | CDC/NCHS |
| 8 | Method counts (2023): Firearms 27,300; Suffocation 12,023; Poisoning 5,944; Other 4,049. | NIMH (WISQARS) |
| 9 | Method share overall (2023): Firearms ≈55.4% of all suicide deaths. | NIMH (WISQARS) |
| 10 | Women—methods (2023): Firearm 35.0%; Poisoning 29.6%; Suffocation 25.9%. | NIMH (WISQARS) |
| 11 | Men—methods (2023): Firearm 60.7%; Suffocation 24.0%; Poisoning 7.4%. | NIMH (WISQARS) |
| 12 | Highest male rate (2023): Men 75+ at 40.7 per 100,000. | NIMH |
| 13 | Highest female rate (2023): Women 45–64 at 8.6 per 100,000. | NIMH |
| 14 | Race/Ethnicity (2023): AI/AN NH—Men 35.3; Women 12.4 per 100,000. | NIMH (WISQARS) |
| 15 | White NH (2023): Men 28.0; Women 7.4 per 100,000. | NIMH (WISQARS) |
| 16 | Black (2023): Men 15.1; Women 3.5 per 100,000. | NIMH (WISQARS) |
| 17 | Hispanic (2023): Men 13.3; Women 3.0 per 100,000. | NIMH (WISQARS) |
| 18 | Asian/PI (2023): Men 10.3; Women 3.7 per 100,000. | NIMH (WISQARS) |
| 19 | Suicides vs. homicides (2023): 49,316 vs. 22,830—over 2× as many suicides. | NIMH |
| 20 | Veteran suicides (2022): 6,407 (≈17.6 per day). | VA 2024 Report |
| 21 | Veteran method share (2022): ≈73.5% involved a firearm. | Injury Epidemiology (citing VA) |
| 22 | High school students (2023 YRBS): 20.4% seriously considered suicide; 9.5% attempted. | CDC YRBS 2023 |
| 23 | LGBTQ+ youth (2024 survey): 39% seriously considered; 12% attempted in past year. | The Trevor Project |
| 24 | Adults with serious suicide thoughts (2024): 5.5% (age 18+). | NIMH (NSDUH 2024) |
| 25 | 988 usage (Jul 2022–May 2025): ~16.5 million contacts (calls/texts/chats). | KFF (SAMHSA data) |
Key Takeaways
The rate is near its historical peak and the count is at a record high—reflecting both persistent risk and a larger population.
Firearms account for over half of suicides; securing firearms during high-risk periods saves lives.
Men die by suicide far more often than women, and men 75+ have the highest rates of all age groups.
Youth experience high levels of suicidal thoughts and attempts; LGBTQ youth report the greatest distress in surveys.
Veterans have a suicide rate roughly double that of non-veterans.
Many who die by suicide were not in care—closing the treatment gap matters.
After peaking in 2018, U.S. suicide rates dipped slightly, but remain elevated—holding around 14 deaths per 100,000 through 2022–2023
What Counts, What “Age-Adjusted” Means, and Why Methods Matter
What counts as a suicide death
In national data, a suicide death means a person died from a self-inflicted injury with intent to die, as recorded on the death certificate. This ensures we’re comparing the same thing across years.
Age-adjusted rate
Suicide is reported as deaths per 100,000 people. Age-adjusted rates even out age differences between groups, so we can fairly compare men vs. women, or trends over decades.
Methods and prevention
Most suicides in the U.S. involve firearms, followed by suffocation, poisoning, and other causes. Because firearm attempts are almost always fatal, safe storage or temporary removal during a crisis is one of the most effective prevention steps..
Among men, firearms were used in 61% of suicides, while women more often used poisoning (30%) or suffocation (26%).
The National Picture—At a Glance
Overall trend
Suicide rates in the U.S. climbed steadily for nearly 20 years, peaking in 2018. There was a brief dip in 2019–2020, but by 2022–2023 the age-adjusted rate returned to about 14.1–14.2 deaths per 100,000 people. That places suicide at one of the highest sustained levels ever recorded.
By sex
Men continue to die by suicide at nearly four times the rate of women. While women report more suicide attempts, men tend to use more lethal methods—especially firearms—which explains the higher death rate. Men also account for about 80% of all suicide deaths in the U.S.
By age
Older adults: Men over 75 face the highest suicide rates of any group, often tied to isolation, health issues, and easy access to firearms.
Middle-aged adults (45–64): Rates remain elevated and this group consistently makes up a large share of annual deaths.
Teens and young adults: Suicide rates are lower compared to adults, but suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10–34, making it one of the most urgent youth health concerns.
By race and ethnicity
American Indian/Alaska Native communities experience the highest age-adjusted suicide rates in the nation.
White (non-Hispanic) populations also show elevated rates and account for the largest share of total deaths.
Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian Americans have lower overall rates, but recent trends show rising concern in some subgroups, especially youth.
These disparities highlight how cultural, social, and systemic factors play a role in suicide risk.
What this means
The national suicide rate is high and stable, but risk is not distributed equally. Men, older adults, veterans, and some racial and ethnic communities bear the greatest burden. Targeted prevention strategies that address both access to lethal means and community-specific needs are essential.
If you’re interested in how mental health connects to relationships, you may also like:
Sex, Intimacy, and Connection (2025) – insights into how couples maintain closeness.
How Couples Meet: Where Most Couples Find Love (2025) – a data-driven look at modern relationships.
Men face higher suicide rates across all age groups, with men 75+ at 40.7 per 100,000—the highest of any group
Youth & Young Adults
The big picture
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10–34 in the U.S. While the overall rate is lower than in older adults, the sheer number of young lives lost each year is devastating. Surveys also show that far more youth struggle with suicidal thoughts or attempts than the official death count reflects.
Trends and numbers
Among high school students, nearly 1 in 5 seriously considers suicide and about 1 in 11 reports an attempt in a given year.
Young adults (18–25) have the highest prevalence of serious suicidal thoughts compared to any other adult age group.
Over the past decade, youth suicide rates rose, peaked around 2018, dipped slightly, and remain a major public health concern today.
Who is most at risk
Girls and young women attempt suicide more often than boys, but boys are more likely to die due to lethal methods.
LGBTQ youth are at much higher risk: surveys show nearly 40% have seriously considered suicide, and about 12% have attempted in the past year.
Black youth and other marginalized groups have seen rising rates in recent years, a troubling trend that needs urgent attention.
Warning signs to notice
Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities.
Talking about death or hopelessness.
Drastic changes in grades, sleep, or appetite.
Risky behavior, substance use, or giving away belongings.
How to help right away
Ask directly if they’re thinking about suicide—this shows care and does not “plant the idea.”
Secure or remove lethal means like firearms and medications from the home.
Build a safety plan: list personal triggers, coping strategies, trusted people, and emergency contacts like 988.
Connect them with evidence-based care such as CBT or DBT, which teach coping and emotion regulation skills.
What this means
Youth suicide is not inevitable—it’s preventable. Most crises are temporary, and when young people are met with compassion, support, and professional care, they can recover and go on to thrive.
Want to explore more mental health and relationship research? Check out our deep dive into Anxiety Statistics (2025) for the latest numbers on how anxiety is impacting Americans today.
Suicide rates were highest among American Indian/Alaska Native men (35.3 per 100,000) and women (12.4), followed by White non-Hispanic men (28.0)
Veterans
The big picture
Veterans die by suicide at rates significantly higher than non-veterans. In the most recent data, over 6,400 veterans died by suicide in a single year—that’s about 17 deaths every day. The veteran suicide rate is roughly double that of the general U.S. population.
Why risk is higher
Service-related trauma: PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and moral injury all increase suicide risk.
Chronic health issues: Pain, disability, and substance use disorders are more common among veterans.
Transition stress: Leaving military service can mean losing structure, identity, or community.
Firearm access: More than two-thirds of veteran suicides involve firearms, which are highly lethal and often readily available.
Who is most at risk
Younger veterans—especially men ages 18–34—have some of the highest suicide rates in the country. Female veterans, while a smaller group, also experience elevated suicide rates compared to civilian women.
What helps
Crisis support: The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 at 988 (press 1), by text at 838255, or by chat. Responders are trained to understand military culture.
Means safety: Using gun locks, storing ammunition separately, or temporarily removing firearms during tough times dramatically reduces risk.
Evidence-based care: Trauma-focused therapy, substance use treatment, and pain management improve quality of life and reduce suicidality.
Peer programs: Many veterans find healing in connection with others who’ve served—through peer support groups, adaptive sports, or mentorship programs.
What this means
Veteran suicide is not just a military issue—it’s a public health crisis. But it’s also preventable. By combining compassionate mental health care with practical safety strategies, and ensuring veterans feel supported during transitions, we can bring these numbers down.
Over 6,400 U.S. veterans died by suicide in a recent year—about 17 every day. The veteran suicide rate (34.7 per 100,000) is roughly double that of the general U.S. adult population (17.1).
LGBTQ Youth
The big picture
LGBTQ youth face some of the highest rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts in the U.S. In recent national surveys, nearly 40% reported seriously considering suicide in the past year, and about 12% reported a suicide attempt. These are staggering numbers compared to their non-LGBTQ peers.
Why the risk is higher
Stigma and rejection: Discrimination, bullying, and family rejection create daily stress and feelings of isolation.
Mental health barriers: Many LGBTQ youth lack access to affirming mental health care or safe spaces to talk openly.
Intersectional challenges: Youth who are LGBTQ and also part of marginalized racial/ethnic groups may face added layers of stress and inequality.
Protective factors that reduce risk
One supportive adult—a parent, teacher, coach, or mentor—can cut suicide risk nearly in half.
Affirming schools: Clear anti-bullying policies, inclusive clubs (like GSAs), and visible acceptance help youth feel safer.
Family acceptance: Respecting a child’s pronouns, chosen name, and identity can dramatically lower distress.
Peer connection: Friendships and online/offline communities that affirm identity boost resilience.
What this means
Being LGBTQ is not the risk—rejection is. When young people are affirmed and supported, their risk of suicide drops significantly. Families, schools, and communities all play a role in creating safe environments where LGBTQ youth can thrive.
National surveys show LGBTQ youth face alarming risk levels: nearly 40% seriously considered suicide in the past year, and about 12% reported an attempt. These numbers are far higher than their non-LGBTQ peers.
The Treatment Gap & What Helps
The treatment gap
One of the most sobering facts in suicide prevention is that many people who die by suicide were not in active mental health treatment at the time of their death. Some had never sought care, while others had started but stopped because of stigma, cost, or difficulty accessing services. This gap highlights just how important it is to make mental health care affordable, available, and welcoming.
Barriers to care
Stigma: Fear of judgment keeps many from reaching out.
Access: Long waitlists, provider shortages, and lack of insurance coverage are major hurdles.
Recognition: Loved ones sometimes miss warning signs, or individuals don’t recognize their own need for help.
What research shows helps
Suicide-focused therapy: Treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) reduce attempts and distress.
Safety planning: A simple, written plan that lists personal triggers, coping strategies, supportive contacts, and crisis numbers can save lives. Pairing this with follow-up calls increases its impact.
Means safety: Limiting access to highly lethal methods—especially firearms—during a crisis period is one of the most effective prevention strategies.
Medication & integrated care: Treating depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance use, or chronic pain can reduce suicide risk.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: In its first year, millions of calls, texts, and chats were answered nationwide. This free, 24/7 service offers immediate de-escalation and a bridge to ongoing care.
What this means
Suicide prevention is most powerful when it’s layered: compassionate therapy, practical safety steps, medical care, and strong social support. Closing the treatment gap—and making sure people know about 988—is one of the clearest paths toward lowering U.S. suicide rates.
Suicide rates rose steadily from 2000 to 2018, dipped slightly, but remain historically high—14.1 per 100,000 in 2023. Male rates are consistently 3–4 times higher than female rates.
Resources & Crisis Support
Immediate crisis help
Call or text 988 anywhere in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You’ll be connected with trained counselors, available 24/7.
If there’s immediate danger, call 911.
Specialized lines
Veterans: Dial 988, then press 1. You can also text 838255 or chat online.
LGBTQ youth: Reach out to The Trevor Project for 24/7 text, chat, or phone support.
Teens and families: Local crisis centers, pediatricians, and school counselors can provide urgent help and ongoing support.
Helpful next steps
Build a safety plan with warning signs, coping strategies, and trusted contacts.
Store medications and firearms safely and out of reach during difficult periods.
Consider therapy options like CBT, DBT, or EMDR for long-term healing.
Remember: you don’t need to wait until it feels unbearable to ask for help.
Conclusion
Suicide statistics remind us just how deeply mental health affects individuals, families, and communities. If this data resonated with you, I encourage you to also explore our other articles—like Anxiety Statistics (2025), Sex, Intimacy, and Connection (2025), and How Couples Meet (2025)—to see how different aspects of mental health and relationships connect. And if you or someone you love is struggling, South Denver Therapy is here to help. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals, couples, and families both in Castle Rock and virtually across Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is suicide increasing or decreasing?
The U.S. suicide rate climbed steadily for two decades, dipped slightly in 2019–2020, and has remained high and stable through the most recent years.
Who is most at risk?
Men (especially ages 75+), veterans, and American Indian/Alaska Native communities have the highest suicide rates. LGBTQ youth and teens show the highest rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts in surveys.
What methods are most common?
Firearms account for more than half of all suicides, followed by suffocation (hanging) and poisoning/overdose.
How effective is the 988 Lifeline?
In its first year, 988 answered millions of calls, texts, and chats, with faster response times than ever before. Many callers reported feeling less suicidal and more hopeful after connecting.
What treatments work best?
CBT-SP, DBT, and CAMS are effective, suicide-focused therapies. When combined with safety planning, means safety, medication management, and strong social support, the risk of suicide can be significantly reduced.
