Age Distribution of Firearm Deaths

The youngest victim was 7 years old. The number of firearm deaths increase dramatically after age 15 years, peaking in the 25-34 year old age group. This high risk group accounts for 38% of all firearm deaths. There is a steady decline in the number of deaths after age 34 years, with the oldest victim being 84 years old.

Age by manner of firearm deaths is shown in the graph below. Accidental firearm deaths are not included as there are only six cases reported. Young adults are most at risk for firearm injuries. The 18-29 year age group has the highest proportion of deaths for homicide and suicide. This is followed by the 30-39 year old age group. Together these two groups account for 75% of homicides and 57% of suicides that involve the use of a firearm. While the proportion of firearm homicides steadily decreases in each successive age group after 39 years, the proportion of suicides remains constant. For ages under 18 years, the proportion of homicides and suicides are equal.

57