Lightning Strike Victim Data

For Everyone

At a glance

About 37 million lightning strikes hit the ground in the United States each year. But the odds of being struck by lightning each year are less than one in a million, and almost 90% of all lightning strike victims survive. The odds of being struck multiple times is even less, with the record being seven times in one lifetime. There are some factors that can put you at greater risk of being struck, such as participating in outdoor recreational activities, living in regions with frequent thunderstorms, or working outside. Regional and seasonal differences can also affect your risk of being struck by lightning.
Lightning strikes against dark, stormy sky.

Lightning strike injuries and deaths vary by region

Lightning affects all regions in the United States, but risk varies by region. The Southeastern states experience the highest frequency of lightning strikes. Lightning generally decreases from the southeast to the northwest, except for a few places, such as the Rocky Mountains, where thunderstorms occur regularly during the summer.

States with the highest numbers of lightning-related injuries and deaths include Florida, Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, New Jersey, Arizona, Missouri, and Pennsylvania. Florida has long been considered the "lightning capital" of the country, recording more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years.

Since 2006, only five states (Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Washington), as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, have reported no lightning deaths.

Quick facts

  • From 2006 through 2025, there were 517 lightning-related deaths in the United States.
  • Males are four times more likely than females to be struck by lightning.
  • The average age of a person struck by lightning is 37 years.
  • Lightning injuries can occur indoors when lightning travels through plumbing, electrical systems, metal wires or reinforcing bars in concrete walls or floors, or through wired devices.

Lightning deaths are most common in the summer

Lightning deaths can occur at any time of the year, but most deaths occur during the summer months, particularly in July.

Did you know?

Lightning deaths often occur on weekends, particularly Saturdays, and in the afternoon. In fact, two out of three lightning deaths occur between noon and 6 p.m.

Participating in certain activities increases the risk of being struck by lightning

Lightning most often strikes people who engage in outdoor recreational activities or work outside. From 2006 through 2025, leisure activities such as fishing, boating, playing golf, and walking outside accounted for nearly two-thirds of lightning deaths.

Work-related activities contributed to about 20% of total lightning fatalities, with the highest risk being among those who work in construction, farming, or ranching. Most work-related lightning fatalities are among males.

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Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health