Rural counties have the highest rates of gun suicide among older adults

Gun suicide rates per 100,000 residents aged 70 or older are higher in rural California counties. These areas have higher gun ownership rates and more limited access to medical and mental health services.

Note: Rates for gun suicides among older adults are calculated from 2009 to 2023. County data is aggregated by CDC urban–rural classifications; categories have been simplified for clarity.
Chart: Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett, CalMattersSource: The Trace analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention