39,707
gun deaths in the United States, including
3,390
children and teens
(ages 0-19)
60%
Suicides comprised three in five gun deaths
36%
Homicides comprised 1/3 of gun deaths
86%
of gun death victims were male

GUN DEATHS BY INTENT, 2019

Nearly 40,000 Americans died by gun violence in 2019, an average of 108 people every day. Suicides were 60% of the gun deaths and homicides were 36%.

Number of deaths

TRENDS OVER TIME

Over the last 10 years (2010-2019), the overall gun death rate in the U.S. increased 17%. 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 26% and the firearm suicide rate increased 12.5%.

Age-adjusted rate per 100,000

Total gun death rate
Firearm homicide rate
Firearm suicide rate

FIREARM HOMICIDES

14,414
firearm homicides in 2019, including
2,023
children and teens

Gun Deaths by Intent

More than 1/3 of gun deaths were homicides in 2019.

Homicide by Method

3/4 of homicides were committed with firearms in 2019.

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 nearly 17 times higher than than White (non Latino) males of the same age group.

Note: Based on a five-year average (2015-2019).

FIREARM SUICIDES

23,941
firearm suicides in 2019, including
1,167
children and teens

Gun Deaths by Intent

3/5 of gun deaths were suicides in 2019.

Suicide by Method

Half of all suicides were by firearm in 2019.

Demographics

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

Note: Based on a five-year average (2015-2019).

Last updated December 2020