Want to know which are the most suicidal cities in the U.S.? According to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in the United States, more Americans die of suicide than from car accidents. This disturbing statistic accounts for the profound problems in the country, which some are not able to cope with or overcome. In fact, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in America, behind cardiovascular disease and cancer. If you’re interested in a more global approach, check out our list of the 20 Most Depressed and Suicidal Countries in the World.
Usually, suicide is closely related to mental disorders and environmental stressors. This major cause of death in the U.S. is not easy to research; many even believe that the figures of suicide rate are not very accurate, as it is sometimes very difficult to state whether a death was accidental, homicidal or suicidal. Among the environmental factors associated with suicide you can find some of the following at the top: bullying, economic decline, depression, anxiety, financial stress, widespread availability of opioid drugs, unemployment and natural disasters.
Suicide rates have risen sharply in the last decade across all geographic areas and states. The jump escaped no one; in fact, the most pronounced increase was seen among middle-aged men, a group highly affected by economic setbacks like recession.
In compiling our list we used the data published by the National Association of County and City Health Officials and City Data. If you are curious about the most suicidal cities in the U.S, take a look at the countdown.
10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Annual rate: 15.2 per 100,000 people annually
Pittsburgh’s crime index is 440.7, much higher than the national average of 279.
9. Jacksonville, Florida
Annual rate: 15.6 per 100,000 people annually
Despite being located in the Sunshine State, Jacksonville is in the top ten of most suicidal cities. From 1990 to 2004, there was a 16.3% change in the city’s suicide rates. Suicide related factors in Jacksonville include unemployment and crime index.
8. Denver, Colorado
Annual rate: 16.2 per 100,000 people annually
According to the Denver Post, suicide rates peaked in 2009 with 940 reported in Colorado. From 2005 to 2009, suicide rates in Denver were closely linked to job loss, bankruptcy, eviction and other economic factors.
7. Miami, Florida
Annual rate: 17.1 per 100,000 people annually
Having another city from Florida State in our countdown shows that sunshine is no guarantee for happiness. The cost of living, unemployment and crime account for the suicides in Miami.
6. Mesa, Arizona
Annual rate: 19.6 per 100,000 people annually
According to the Arizona Suicide Prevention Alert, there were 784 reported cases of suicides in 2002 which is 300% higher than the national average.
We continue the somber task of counting down America’s most suicidal cities on the next page.
5. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Annual rate: 21 per 100,000 people annually
Senior citizens were the age group with the highest suicide rate in Albuquerque. Moreover, according to the New Mexico Suicide Prevention Resource Center, an average of 342 residents died each year from suicides between 1999 and 2005.
4. Sacramento, California
Annual rate: 22.7 per 100,000 people annually
The highest suicide rate amounted to 27.3 and was in 1997. Sacramento’s crime index and unemployment rate are crucial to understanding the high amount of suicides in the city.
3. Tucson, Arizona
Annual rate: 25 per 100,000 people annually
From 1990 to 2004, Tucson’s suicide rates have risen by 21.2%. Furthermore, suicides among senior citizens in Arizona keep on increasing.
2. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Annual rate: 26.1 per 100,000 people annually
The unemployment in Colorado Springs is higher than the state’s. It may come as a surprise to you, but altitude is intimately related to the suicide rates of this city. Oxygen deprivation is believed to worsen depression, a common mental disease that may lead to self-inflicted termination of life, and may help explain while Colorado has two of the most suicidal cities in the country.
1. Las Vegas, Nevada
Annual rate: 34.5 per 100,000 people annually
The most suicidal city in America may or may not surprise you. Not only is Las Vegas’ unemployment quite high, but gambling is also believed to be behind the highest suicide rates. The City of Sin’s suicide rates increased by 20.7% from 1990 to 2004.
