National and Local Suicide Statistics

Updated July 2026

In 2024,48,824people died by suicide in the United States
On average, a person dies by suicide every11 minutes
There are nearly2xas many suicides as homicides in the U.S.

Suicide Deaths in Fairfield County

YearDeaths
201514
201618
201720
201821
201922
202018
202130
202222
202327
202433
2025 (partial year)25

*2025 statistics are considered partial and may be incomplete

Rate of Suicide Deaths in the United States

Rate per 100,000 People

YearRate per 100,000 people
201513.3
201613.4
201714.0
201814.2
201913.9
202013.4
202114.0
202214.2
202314.0
202413.7

In 2024 alone,

  • 14.3 Million Adults had thoughts of suicide
  • 4.6 Million Adults made suicide plans
  • 2.9 Million Adults attempted suicide

Impacts of Suicide

  • 135People are impacted by a single suicide
  • 53People experience short-term life disruption
  • 25People experience major life disruption
  • 11People experience devastating effects

Gender

In Fairfield County, 78% of suicide deaths in the past 10 years were men.

  • Men die by suicide 4x more than women.
  • Women attempt suicide 3x more than men.

Suicide Methods

National, 2024

MethodPercent of suicides
Firearm57%
Suffocation24%
Other11%
Poisoning9%

Firearms are used in over 50% of suicides.

Age

In the U.S., suicide is the

  • 10th leading cause of death overall
  • 2nd leading cause of death for ages 10-14
  • 2nd leading cause of death for ages 15-24
  • 5th leading cause of death for ages 35-44
Suicide Deaths by Age Group, Fairfield County
Stacked bar chart of Fairfield County suicide deaths by age group as a percent of total for each year from 2019 to 2023. Age groups are 5 to 24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and 65 and older. Ages 65 and older make up roughly a quarter to a third of deaths in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023. In 2021, ages 25-34 are the largest group.

Suicide Rates by State 2024

In 2024, Ohio had the 27th highest suicide rate of all the United States.

Map of the United States showing 2024 age adjusted suicide death rates by state. Ohio is in the 10.38 to under 15.86 range. Wyoming and Alaska are in the highest range, 26.82 to under 32.3.
Map created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Age Adjusted Death Rate

  • 4.9 - < 10.38
  • 10.38 - < 15.86
  • 15.86 - < 21.34
  • 21.34 - < 26.82
  • 26.82 - < 32.3

Suicide is a serious public health problem. Suicide in Ohio has increased by 24% in the past decade (Ohio Department of Health). Every year more than 727,000 people around the world die by suicide, and many more attempt it (World Health Organization, 2025). Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities, and entire countries, with long-lasting effects on the people left behind. However, suicide is preventable with timely, evidence-based, and often low-cost interventions.

So join us, share the message, and do your part — because you matter, we care.

Frequently asked questions

What number do I call for the suicide and crisis lifeline?

Call or text 988 anytime to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In Fairfield County, Ohio you can also call the local crisis line at 740-687-8255.

Is the 988 Lifeline free and confidential?

Yes. Calling or texting 988 is free and confidential. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to listen, provide support, and connect you to local resources if you need them.

Can I text or chat instead of calling?

Yes. You can text 988 from anywhere in the United States, text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line, or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat. All options connect you with a trained crisis counselor.

How can I help someone who may be at risk of suicide?

Ask directly how they are doing, listen without judgment, and stay with them. Help them connect to support by calling or texting 988 together, or the local Fairfield County crisis line at 740-687-8255. The coalition also offers free QPR and Mental Health First Aid trainings that teach you the warning signs and how to respond.

Does the Fairfield County Suicide Prevention Coalition offer trainings?

Yes. The coalition offers free trainings throughout the year, including QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) gatekeeper training and Mental Health First Aid. To request a training for your workplace or group, contact us.

Sources

  1. World Health Organization. Suicide — fact sheet, March 2025 (≈727,000 deaths per year, 2021 data). who.int
  2. Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Public Health Information Warehouse — Ohio resident suicide deaths, 2013–2022. odh.ohio.gov
  3. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP)
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  5. Cerel J., Brown M.M., Maple M., Singleton M., Van de Venne J., Moore M., Flaherty C. How many people are exposed to suicide? Not six. (2019)
  6. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
  7. Ohio Public Health Data Warehouse
Need help now? You're not alone. Call or text 988 Local: 740-687-8255 Chat online