National Suicide Statistics at a Glance

Case Fatality Rate* Among Persons Ages 10 Years and Older for Males and Females separately, and by Selected Mechanism for Both Sexes Combined, United States, 2005–2009

Higher case fatality rates indicate greater lethality within a subgroup or for a specific method of self-harm. During 2005-2009, males had a higher suicide case fatality rate than females overall (14.7% versus 3.2%). Higher case fatality rates computed for both sexes combined were also observed for self-harm inflicted injuries by firearms (83.6%) and suffocation (79.9%).

Footnote: * For the purposes of this summary the Case Fatality Rate was operationalized as (Suicides/ Suicides + Nonfatal injuries due to self-harm) *100

Back to National Suicide Statistics at a Glance