A Disproportionate Share Of Youth Suicides Occur In High-Poverty Areas

A higher concentration of poverty at the county level is associated with increased suicide rates among youth aged 5 to 19 years. Between 2007 and 2016, the adjusted suicide rate for this age group increased. Poverty concentration is defined as the percentage of the county population living below the federal poverty level. Counties with the lowest poverty concentration (0% through 4.9%) had a suicide rate of 3.18 per 100,000 youth. Counties with the highest poverty concentration (20% or more) had a suicide rate of 3.35 per 100,000 youth. Suicide rates increased as poverty concentration increased . . .