San Diego County reports 377 suicide deaths in 2024, with the annual rate rising 3%

Annual report details suicide deaths, attempts, and demographic patterns

San Diego County confirmed 377 suicide deaths in 2024, with the annual suicide death rate increasing 3% from the prior year. County officials emphasized that suicide rates are calculated as deaths per 100,000 residents to account for population changes, and that the death totals do not include people who attempted suicide and survived.

The updated figures were released as part of the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council’s 2025 Report to the Community, which compiles recent trends across deaths by suicide, emergency department visits for suicide attempts, and measures of suicidal thoughts and planning. County leaders said the report is intended to guide prevention and intervention strategies and to inform how resources are prioritized.

Where risks appeared highest in 2024

The report’s demographic breakdown identified the highest suicide death rates among non-Hispanic white, male residents ages 70–79. Regionally, the East Region recorded the highest suicide death rate in the county.

Officials also highlighted elevated risk indicators among younger residents. In the 2020–2024 period, nearly one in five suicide deaths involved young people. Within youth and young adult categories, the report identified particularly high rates among males, non-Hispanic Black individuals, people ages 20–24, and residents living in the North Coastal Region.

• Total confirmed suicide deaths (2024): 377

• Change in suicide death rate vs. prior year: +3%

• Highest suicide death rates: non-Hispanic white males, ages 70–79

• Region with highest suicide death rate: East Region

Methods and emergency department data

Firearms were the leading method of suicide among San Diego County residents in 2024 and were linked to 134 deaths. The report indicated firearm suicides were most common among men ages 45 and older.

For non-fatal suicide attempts requiring emergency department care, the highest rates were reported among females ages 10–17. County officials noted that emergency department data offers a separate view of risk from fatality counts, capturing attempts severe enough to require hospital care.

County officials described the report as a planning tool for prevention and intervention efforts, while also underscoring the human impact reflected in each data point.

Longer-term context and reporting timelines

While 2024 showed an increase compared with the previous year, officials said the county’s longer-term trend includes declines from earlier peak periods: the suicide rate is down 8% from 2016 and down 4% from 2020. Officials also noted that suicide statistics are typically reported with a delay due to the time required to compile and confirm data.

If you or someone you know needs help

In the United States, people experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.