Young adult suicide rates rise across U.S.
A new analysis of CDC data reported by Stateline and published by Axios finds the suicide rate for U.S. young adults (ages 18–27) increased nearly 20% between 2014 and 2024, from 13.8 to 16.4 deaths per 100,000. The increase was concentrated among Black and Hispanic men—especially in the South and Midwest—with the biggest state rises in Georgia (+65%), North Carolina (+41%), Texas (+41%), Alabama (+39%) and Ohio (+37%). The report also cites Everytown data showing firearms are now involved in most youth suicides and warns that federal funding cuts threaten programs aimed at vulnerable groups.
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📌 Key Facts
- Young‑adult (18–27) suicide rate rose from 13.8 to 16.4 per 100,000 (2014→2024), about a 19% increase.
- Largest state increases: Georgia +65%; North Carolina +41%; Texas +41%; Alabama +39%; Ohio +37%.
- Trend driven largely by increases among Black and Hispanic men in the South and Midwest.
- Everytown analysis (through 2023) cited: firearms now involved in most youth suicides.
- Policy context: report flags risk to mental‑health programs for vulnerable groups amid federal spending cuts.