Suicide Trends: US Rates, Firearm Deaths & the 988 Lifeline (2014-2024)

Over half a million lives have been lost to suicide in the United States since 2014, with 2022 marking the highest annual total on record. Even as overall suicide deaths have declined slightly since that peak, a concerning trend has emerged: firearm suicides continue to rise, reaching a new high in 2024. This shift has led to firearms being involved in 57% of all suicides in 2024, up from 50% a decade prior, even as suicides by other methods have decreased. These evolving patterns underscore the complex challenges in addressing suicide and highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies.

Shifting Methods and Rising Firearm Involvement

The increase in firearm suicides coincides with broader changes in gun ownership, including a surge in new buyers during the pandemic and increasing racial and ethnic diversity among gun owners. Data from NORC indicates a significant increase in gun purchases during this period. Because firearms are a highly lethal means of suicide, greater access can reduce the opportunity for intervention. This is a key concept in “means restriction,” a strategy focused on reducing access to the methods people leverage to attempt suicide. State policies, such as extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) and other gun laws, have been linked to declines in firearm suicides, though the effectiveness of these measures varies.

Demographic Variations in Suicide Rates

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). While White individuals still represent the largest number of suicide deaths overall (36,560 in 2024), the rate among AIAN people is disproportionately high. It’s important to note that rates are calculated per 100,000 people, meaning a smaller population can have a higher rate even with fewer total deaths. Over the past decade, suicide rates have increased most rapidly among Black individuals (a 53% increase from 2014 to 2024) and Hispanic individuals (a 27% increase), while rates have remained stable or declined for adults aged 45 to 64 and females.

These increases among people of color may reflect differences in diagnosis and access to mental health care, as well as stigma and discrimination. KFF research highlights disparities in mental health care access across racial and ethnic groups. Shifts in firearm access and potential differences in awareness, use, or perceived helpfulness of resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline may as well play a role.

State-Level Disparities and Trends

Suicide death rates vary significantly across states. In 2024, rates ranged from 5.7 deaths per 100,000 people in Washington D.C. To 29.7 in Alaska. Rates tend to be higher in many Western states, while lower rates are more common in parts of the Northeast and some coastal states. Between 2014 and 2024, about four in ten states experienced stable or lower suicide death rates, while rates increased in the remaining states. Wyoming saw the largest increase (35%), while Washington D.C. Experienced the largest decrease (27%). These variations likely reflect a complex interplay of factors, including demographics, firearm availability, mental health status, and access to crisis services.

The Role of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

The launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in July 2022 has provided a more accessible and streamlined way for individuals in distress to connect with counselors. Replacing the previous 10-digit number, 988 connects people to over 200 local crisis call centers and other crisis services. Since its launch through October 2025, 988 has received over 19 million calls, texts, or chats nationally, alongside improved answer rates and shorter wait times. SAMHSA data demonstrates the increasing utilization of this vital resource.

Policy Shifts and Access to Care

While the expansion of 988 and other benefit expansions may be contributing to small declines in overall suicide rates, access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment remains a significant challenge. The discontinuation of the LGBTQI+ 988 call line and the advancement of federal policy actions under the Trump administration, which could limit access to care through potential coverage losses in Medicaid and the Marketplace, raise concerns about future trends. These policy changes highlight the importance of sustained investment in mental health services and equitable access to care.

Looking Ahead: Surveillance and Prevention

Continued surveillance through systems like the CDC’s National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) is crucial for monitoring trends and informing prevention efforts. The NVDRS collects data from death certificates, coroner and medical examiner reports, and law enforcement reports to provide a comprehensive picture of violent deaths, including suicides. Understanding the factors that contribute to suicide, particularly the increasing role of firearms and the disparities across demographic groups and states, is essential for developing targeted and effective prevention strategies. Further research is needed to evaluate the impact of different interventions and to address the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to suicide risk.