Deaths by firearm-related injuries in the U.S. 1970-2018

In recent years there has been an increase in the rate of firearm-related deaths in the United States. In 2018, there were 12.1 such deaths per 100,000 population. This rate is still lower than the 13.4 deaths per 100,000 population that was reported in the year 1995.

Firearm deaths

Firearm-related deaths are much more common among males than females, with the rate for males in 2016 almost 7 times higher than for females. Those aged 15 to 24 years are the age group with the highest death rates from firearms, followed by those aged 25 to 44. The states with the highest mortality rates from firearms include Mississippi, Alabama, Wyoming, and Missouri.

Firearm suicides

The use of firearms is one of the most common methods for suicide in the United States. Around 56 percent of male suicides and 31 percent of female suicides are conducted by firearms. In 2018, there were a total of 24,432 suicide deaths from firearms. Suicide is currently the tenth leading cause of death in the United States.