Data

From 2018-2022, 809 Franklin County residents died by suicide. Suicide was the 10th leading cause of death among Franklin County community members in 2022. Among youth ages 13-18 years and young adults ages 19-24 years, suicide was the second and third leading cause of death, respectively.

Franklin County residents ages 75 to 84 years old have the highest rate of suicide, compared to other age groups. In general, older adults in Franklin County experience higher rates of suicide than younger adults. That said, the suicide rate among younger age groups is increasing. From 2019 to 2022, the suicide rate among residents ages 15 to 24 increased 70%. Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic may have increased the risk of suicide and suicide attempts, particularly among youth (BMC Psychiatry, 2022).

In Franklin County, non-Hispanic White community members have the highest suicide rate, compared to residents who are non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic/Latino. Despite non-Hispanic Black residents experiencing lower suicide rates overall, suicide rates among adults ages 20 to 24 years and 25 to 29 years are higher among non-Hispanic Black residents.

Franklin County adults without a college degree were more likely to have seriously considered suicide, compared to adults without a college degree. Similarly, residents without a high school diploma are overrepresented in suicide deaths, compared to the share of the population that they make up.

This might be reflective of differences in social conditions and experiences associated with educational attainment, such as household income, access to healthcare, employment, community violence, and discrimination, which could increase risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (CDC, 2024).