Data

From 2016 to 2020, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death overall and the third leading cause of death among children ages 12 to 19 years. In 2020 alone, suicide was still the third leading cause of death among children of the same ages.

In 2020, the overall age-adjusted suicide rate per 100,000 population in Franklin County (10.9) was lower than in Ohio (13.8) and the US (13.5). Preliminary data for 2021 shows a 13% increase from 10.9 to 12.3 in the overall age-adjusted suicide rate per 100,000 population from 2020.

From 2016 to 2020, Franklin County residents ages 45-64 years and 85 years and older had the highest rates of death by suicide compared to other age groups. In 2020, residents ages 45-54 and 75 years and older had the highest suicide rate. The suicide rate among residents 85 years and older was much higher than any other group.

• From 2016 to 2020, the suicide rate among residents ages 65 years and older increased from 8.2 to 14.9 deaths per 100,000 residents.
• From 2016 to 2020, the suicide rate among residents ages 15-24 years increased from 6.4 to 15.5 deaths per 100,000 residents.

From 2016 to 2020, the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100,000 residents was highest among non-Hispanic White residents and lowest among Hispanic/Latino residents. While non-Hispanic White residents die by suicide at a higher rate overall, the suicide rate for non-Hispanic Black residents increased by 75% from 2016 to 2020.

In 2020, the crude suicide rate was highest among Franklin County residents with a high school diploma or equivalent and without a high school diploma compared to those with some college education or higher. Other areas have shown similar trends by education.