HPIO analysis finds firearms playing larger role in homicides, suicides in Ohio

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) –  Both homicides and suicides have significantly increased in Ohio over the past two decades and firearms have been used in a greater percentage of those deaths, new analysis from the Health Policy Institute of Ohio has found.

A graphic of the findings is posting on HPIO’s website. 

Between 1999 and 2020 (the most-recent year in which data is available), suicide deaths in Ohio increased 49% from 1,102 to 1,644 and homicides increased 123% from 450 to 1,004.   

The percent of homicides in which a firearm was used has also risen steadily over the past two decades. In 1999, a firearm was used in 57% of homicides, and in 2020 that percentage increased to 82%. In 2020, a firearm was used in 54.9% of suicides.   

“As Ohio policymakers debate firearm safety legislation, it is important that they consider the latest data on the trends between suicide, homicide and firearms,” said HPIO President Amy Rohling McGee.

For any questions about the analysis,  or if you would like to talk with HPIO policy experts, please call or text Nick Wiselogel at 614.530.9918 or email nwiselogel@hpio.net. 

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