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Suicide statistics PDF Print E-mail
ImageWhile there is little difference in the prevalence of mental illness in rural communities compared to urban centres, there is a significant difference in suicide rates. One obvious reason for higher suicide rates in rural areas is that there is a relatively high rate of gun ownership in rural Australia.    

Consider the following statistics:

  • The suicide rate is 50% higher in rural areas than in major cities (Department of Health and Ageing, 1999).  Death by suicide is at its highest in two groups – males aged 15 – 34 and males aged 65 and over.
  • There is a direct correlation between the degree of remoteness and suicide rate (AIHW, 2002)
  • The proportion of suicides involving a firearm is also higher in rural areas than in urban areas (ICCWA).
  • Almost all firearm suicides are committed by men, especially in the ages 15 – 34 and among older males 64+ (ICCWA)
  • 80% of fatal gunshot injuries are suicides (ICCWA)
  • Hanging is the most lethal means of death in Aboriginal men.