Gun Deaths Per Year: Trends In The U.S. (2025)

How Many People Die from Guns Each Year

In 1999, gun deaths in the U.S. were around 28,900, but this number has climbed significantly. By 2021, fatalities peaked at 48,800, representing a stark rise over two decades. Although 2023 showed a decrease to 46,700, the overall trend remains concerning.

From 1999 to 2010, gun deaths remained relatively stable, averaging around 30,000 per year. However, starting in 2015, the numbers began to rise sharply, reaching over 36,000 annually. The most dramatic increase occurred during the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, when deaths surged by thousands, highlighting the impact of social and economic stressors on firearm-related incidents.

Which Event Causes the Most Gun Deaths Per Year in the U.S.?

When considering “which event causes most gun deaths per year in the U.S.,” gun deaths in the U.S. have steadily increased over the years, with 48,800 deaths in 2021 alone. While the data doesn't break down specific events causing these fatalities, suicides and homicides are widely known to contribute significantly. High annual totals indicate that individual incidents, rather than singular large-scale events like mass shootings, are responsible for most gun deaths. Events like suicides, personal conflicts, and localized violence play the biggest roles in driving these numbers. What Percentage of Gun Deaths are Suicide?

Based on recent data from 2023, suicides account for the majority of gun deaths in the United States, making up approximately 58% of all firearm-related fatalities each year. Of the total 46,700 gun deaths that year, over 27,300 were suicides

This pattern holds for other years as well, with suicides consistently higher than homicides, making up 54%-62% of total deaths. The high percentage of suicides highlights the ongoing mental health crisis and underscores the importance of focused prevention efforts aimed at reducing suicide rates and improving mental health care.

Why Are Gun Deaths Increasing?

The steady rise in how many people die from guns each year is influenced by several factors:

• Increased Firearm Availability: Easier access to guns has contributed to higher numbers of both suicides and homicides.
• Economic and Social Stress: Challenges such as unemployment and mental health struggles, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, have played a role.
• Policy Differences: States with fewer restrictions on firearm ownership often report higher rates of gun deaths.

What Can Be Done?

Reducing gun deaths requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening background checks, improving mental health services, and encouraging safe gun storage are steps that can make a difference. Raising public awareness about suicide prevention and providing support to at-risk individuals can also help lower firearm-related fatalities.

Conclusion

Gun deaths per year in the U.S. have risen dramatically, with nearly 49,000 deaths in 2021 alone. Suicide accounts for the majority of these fatalities, underscoring the need for better mental health resources. Understanding what percentage of gun deaths are suicides and the factors driving these trends is crucial for finding effective solutions. By addressing the root causes and promoting safety measures, we can work toward reducing gun-related deaths and saving lives.