The interactive chart reveals suicide deaths are more common than any other category of gun death among both males and females and across most age categories. In recent years, the gap between suicide and homicide deaths involving guns has increased. In 2021, 5,370 more suicide gun deaths occurred than homicide gun deaths. In 2024, this gap increased to 12,229. Males account for more than 85% of all gun deaths, regardless of intent category.
Gun-related assault deaths outnumber suicide deaths only in the 5-14 and 15-24 age groups. (Please note: Suicide deaths are not coded for children younger than 5.)
Beginning with the 25-34 age group, gun-related suicide deaths outnumber assault deaths. Gun-related assault death rates peak in the 15 to 34 age groups for both males and females. However, gun-related suicide death rates are highest for females age 35 to 64, and for males age 75 and older.
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Note: The term gun is used on this page to refer to firearms that can be carried by a person, not to the larger class of weapon.