Suicide

Suicide is a difficult public health issue that deeply impacts families and communities. In San Juan County, in 2024, suicide was the 5th leading cause of death; across New Mexico, it was the 9th leading cause and across the U.S. it was the 10th.

In 2024, in San Juan County there were 49 deaths by suicide (up from 37 in 2023), giving a rate of 41.7 deaths per 100,000 population. San Juan County's rate is above the state rate of 23.6 and three times the U.S. rate of 13.7.

As can be seen from the graph, suicide rates have increased over the past 20 years. San Juan County's rate is above that in New Mexico and the U.S., and has increased at a more rapid rate.

A promising decline is seen in preliminary data for 2025 (not shown on the graph).
CDC WONDER preliminary for 2025 show a substantial decline in the number of deaths by suicide, from 49 in 2024 to 30 in 2025, which will bring the county's rate closer to what it was in 2014-16.

The suicide rate has increased among both males and females. The rate among females increased in 2024 to a highest level. The suicide rate among males is over three times the rate among females. Of the 49 suicide deaths in 2024, 38 (78%) were among males.

Across the U.S., firearm suicides reached a high level, accounting for roughly 57% of all 2024 suicide deaths. In San Juan County, firearms accounted for 63% of all suicide deaths, 68% of those by males and 45% of those by females.

By demographic groups, across the U.S. the suicide rate among Native Americans is higher than for other races/ethnicities. In San Juan County, the pattern is different; the rate among Caucasians is higher than other races/ethnicities.

Notably, the suicide rates for all three of the largest races/ethnicities have increased. Rates among Hispanic residents increased from 18.1 in 2016-18 to 29.2 in 2022-24; rates among Native American residents increased from 26.8 in 2016-18; and rates among Caucasian residents increased from 38.2 in 2016-18 to 42.8 in 2022-24.

The average age at the time of suicide death varies by demographic groups in San Juan County. While it is important to remember that people of all ages, genders, races and ethnicities can become at risk for suicide and therefore should be screened for individual risk, demographic patterns of suicide across the life span may suggest developmental stage-specific vulnerabilities for members of different cultures, and thus help to inform community suicide prevention programs.

In the most recent 3-year time frame, the average age of suicide death among Native Americans and Hispanics is in the late 20's to 30's, whereas the average age of suicide death among Caucasians is 50 years of age.

By age group, suicide rates are higher among young and middle ages adults, ages 25 through 54.