National Suicide Statistics at a Glance

Trends in Suicide Rates* Among Both Sexes, by Age Group, United States, 1991–2009

From 1991 to 2003, suicide rates were consistently higher among those 65 years and older compared to the younger age groups. The suicide rates in this age group declined from 19.70 suicides per 100,000 in 1991 to 14.78 suicides per 100,000 in 2009. The suicide rates also declined from 9.24 suicides per 100,000 in 1991 to 7.21 suicides per 100,000 in 2009 among those ages 10 to 24 years. Suicide rates among those ages 25 to 64 years declined from 15.07 suicides per 100,000 in 1991 to 13.43 suicides per 100,000 in 2000. From 2000 to 2009, the suicide rates among the 25 to 64 year age group increased to surpass the rate of those 65 years and older in 2004 and again in 2006 and has been increasing since. In 2009, the rate among the 25 to 64 year age group was 16.25 suicides per 100,000.

Footnote: *All rates are age specific. Rates based on less than 20 deaths are statistically unreliable.

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