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Deaths by suicide in Minnesota and across the country have been increasing over the past two decades. However, a new report from the Minnesota Department of Health indicates that for the second consecutive year, the number of suicides in the state has fallen below the peak levels reached in 2022. 

The rate of increase may be slowing down, said Stefan Gingerich, senior epidemiologist at the health department who specializes in suicide. 

“These patterns do vary by geography, sex, race and age,” Gingerich said. 

The 2024 suicide rate in Minnesota was similar to 2023, with an estimated 813 suicides among residents, according to preliminary data from the Minnesota Department of Health. 

Men tend to use more lethal methods than women. In 2024, nearly 80 percent of suicides in the state were men. 

“This is a persistent pattern that we see year in and year out,” Gingerich said. 

The suicide rate among women increased compared to 2023. Rates for other sexes or gender identities are not available because that information is not included on death certificates, according to the state health department.  

The age groups with the highest rates were 50-54 years and 80-84 years. In 2024, teens and younger adults experienced lower suicide rates than in 2023. 

“The overall increase in deaths by suicide over the last couple of decades continues to be concerning,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham in a statement. “Every death by suicide is a tragedy and can have an ongoing impact on families and communities. Our aim is to help make sure people know suicide is preventable and recovery is possible.” 

The 2024 data show that suicide rates in rural areas of Minnesota are significantly higher than those in the Twin Cities and suburban counties, with rural rates being twice as high. The health department has noted that this trend is not new. 

Between 2019 and 2023, most rural counties in Minnesota exhibited a suicide rate that was 59 percent higher than that of the Twin Cities and 46 percent higher than other urban counties outside the Twin Cities. 

Residents of Greater Minnesota face a higher risk of suicide due to elevated rates of firearm ownership, limited access to mental health care, and higher poverty rates compared to urban areas. 

In 2024, firearm injuries accounted for 51 percent of suicide deaths, a percentage higher than in recent years, according to the state health department. 

Efforts to prevent suicide in rural areas include providing training for farm and ranch communities, as well as promoting the safe storage of firearms for higher risk individuals. 

The health department’s 2023-2027 State Suicide Prevention Plan supports various prevention efforts, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and enhancing care for suicide and self-harm within health care and behavioral health clinics. 

The 988 Lifeline offers free and confidential support for individuals experiencing mental health or emotional distress. In 2024, the Minnesota Lifeline Centers responded to approximately 90,000 contacts, marking a 75 percent increase from 2023. 

State officials said they are monitoring proposed federal funding cuts that could eliminate national and local mental health programs, along with potential reductions to 988 funding. 

 that is free to Minnesota farmers. The number is 833-600-2670 or text FARMSTRESS to 898211.  

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate mental health support, call or text 988 to reach the 

Erica Zurek

Author

Deaths by suicide in Minnesota and across the country have been increasing over the past two decades, but the rate of increase may be slowing down. The 2024 suicide rate in Minnesota was similar to 2023, with an estimated 813 suicides among residents.

Suicide rate in Minnesota remains below record highs for second year

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