SAN DIEGO — San Diego County today confirmed 377 suicide deaths in 2024, a 3% increase in the suicide rate from the previous year. Overall, suicide rates are down 8% from 2016 and 4% from 2020.
The most recent local data on suicide is included in the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council’s 2025 Report to the Community.
To account for population changes, the rate is measured by the number of deaths per 100,000 residents. It does not include people who attempted suicide and survived.
The report provides an overview of deaths from suicide, emergency department visits from suicide attempts and data from people who have thought about, considered, or have planned suicide. It includes demographic data across County sectors spanning the past 10 years.
“The data we are sharing today helps guide prevention and intervention efforts and informs how resources are prioritized,” said Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe. “At the same time, it is important to remember that behind every data point is a person, a family and a community affected by the devastating impact of suicide in our County and beyond.”
In 2024, suicide death rates were highest among non-Hispanic white, male residents, ages 70-79. Geographically, the East Region had the highest rate of suicide death.
Firearms were the leading method of suicide among San Diego County residents and responsible for 134 deaths. Suicide by firearms were most common among men, ages 45 and older.
Youth suicide rates continue to rise. From 2020 to 2024, nearly one in five suicide deaths were young people, with rates highest among males, Non-Hispanic Black individuals, those aged 20-24 years, and those living in the North Coastal Region.
Non-fatal suicide attempts that require Emergency Department visits were highest among females, ages 10-17.
Suicide is a leading cause of death in San Diego County, and it is preventable.
“Our hope is that sharing this report creates meaningful conversations about suicide and encourages people to check in on someone who may need support,” said County Behavioral Health Services Director, Nadia Privara Brahms. “Prevention is key and there is an array of resources available to help people recognize the warning signs, engage in conversations, and connect loved ones or friends to the care they need.”
The County’s suicide data helps flag patterns, provide insight on emerging trends, identify vulnerable populations and inform suicide prevention efforts. It also reinforces the ongoing need to promote education, training, wellness and recovery to reduce suicides and their devastating impact on communities.
To learn more about cost-free suicide prevention trainings, visit http://www.SPCSanDiego.org.
For information about suicide, risk factors, warning signs, how to get help, and available resources, visit It’s Up to Us.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, please dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The call is free, confidential and available 24/7 in more than 200 languages. You do not need to be in crisis to call.
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