Minnesota Suicide Rate

The number of deaths by suicide in Minnesota remained steady last year. The Minnesota Department of Health recently released a preliminary report of preventable deaths by suicide in the state in 2024, showing there were 813 suicides among Minnesota residents last year, slightly down on 815 in 2023. Both years mark a decrease from 2022, which saw a state high of 860 total deaths by suicide. Overall, deaths by suicide in Minnesota have trended up for the past 20 years with slight fluctuations year-to-year, mirroring nationwide patterns, according to MDH. The suicide rate in "completely" rural Minnesota counties was twice that of metro area counties, according to MDH. Rural counties made up about 1.6% of the state’s population and 2.8% of all deaths by suicide in 2024. MDH cited higher rates of firearm ownership, less access to health and mental healthcare and higher poverty rates in completely rural counties. Firearm injuries made up 51% of deaths by suicide in 2024. Men also made up a majority of deaths by suicide, representing almost 80% of suicides. MDH pointed to suicide prevention efforts including its 988 line crisis line.