On this page, we show data on the prevalence of suicide across South Dakota, its risk factors, and how these trends are changing over time. This data is used to help make informed decisions regarding prevention efforts for the state.
Suicide Data Dashboard
View suicide data broken down by year, demographic, county, method, and more.
View the Suicide Prevention Dashboard
In 2021, South Dakota had 202 suicide deaths, which was the highest ever recorded.
Suicide Prevention Reports
Suicide Surveillance Report, 2025
In 2024, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in South Dakota, the leading cause of death for individuals aged 20-39 years, and the 5th leading cause of death among American Indians. There were 198 suicide deaths in South Dakota in 2024, which was a 10% increase from 180 deaths in 2023.
Suicide Surveillance Report, 2024
In 2023, suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in South Dakota, the leading cause of death for individuals aged 20-29 years, and the 5th leading cause of death among American Indians. Suicide deaths in South Dakota increased 28% over the last 10 years but decreased 6% from 2022 to 2023.
Suicide Surveillance Report, 2023
In 2021, there were 48,183 deaths classified as suicides in the United States (US), which was about one death every 11 minutes. Suicide was among the top 9 leading causes of death for people ages 10 to 64 years and suicide was ranked as the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-14 years and 20-34 years (2021).
Suicide Deaths in South Dakota, 2020-2023
From 2020 to 2023, suicide deaths in South Dakota declined from 193 to 179, with 50% involving firearms and 78% of decedents being male. American Indian individuals aged 20–29 experienced the highest suicide rate at 126.1 per 100,000, highlighting a critical disparity in age and race demographics.
Suicide Deaths in South Dakota, 2020-2024
From 2020 to 2024, South Dakota recorded 959 suicide deaths, with annual deaths declining from 193 in 2020 to 188 in 2024. Firearms were involved in 52% of suicide deaths, and 78% of decedents were male. American Indian individuals experienced the highest suicide rate at 53.1 per 100,000, with American Indian adults ages 20 to 29 experiencing the highest age-specific rate at 115.9 per 100,000.