39,740
gun deaths in the United States, including
3,342
children and teens
(ages 0-19)
61%
Suicides comprised three in five gun deaths
35%
Homicides comprised 1/3 of gun deaths
85%
of gun death victims were male

GUN DEATHS BY INTENT, 2018

Nearly 40,000 Americans died by gun violence in 2018, an average of more than 100 people every day. Suicides were 61% of the gun deaths and homicides were 35%.

Number of deaths

TRENDS OVER TIME

Over the last 10 years (2009-2018), the overall gun death rate in the U.S. increased 18%. Increases in both homicide and suicide rates contributed to the overall change over the course of the decade; in that time period, the firearm homicide rate increased 17% and the firearm suicide rate increased 19%.

Age-adjusted rate per 100,000

Total gun death rate
Firearm homicide rate
Firearm suicide rate

FIREARM HOMICIDES

13,958
firearm homicides in 2018, including
1,831
children and teens

Gun Deaths by Intent

1/3 of gun deaths were homicides in 2018.

Homicide by Method

3/4 of homicides were committed with firearms in 2018.

Demographics

In the United States, 84% of firearm homicide victims are male and Black males are disproportionately impacted. Black males aged 15-34 have a firearm homicide rate more than 18 times higher than than White (non Latino) males of the same age group.

Note: Based on a five-year average (2014-2018).

FIREARM SUICIDES

24,432
firearm suicides in 2018, including
1,297
children and teens

Gun Deaths by Intent

3/5 of gun deaths were suicides in 2018.

Suicide by Method

Half of all suicides were by firearm in 2018.

Demographics

White (non Latino) males ages 75+ are at highest risk for firearm suicide

Note: Based on a five-year average (2014-2018).

Last updated September 2020