Montana Doesn't Lead Nation in Suicides
The Claim
Montana leads the nation in suicides.
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Emerging story
Many on social media are claiming that Montana is the state with the most deaths by suicide. Some of these claims were made in association with the recent celebration of Veteran’s Day.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation shows that suicide rates vary tremendously across the country, with the highest rates tending to be in rural areas and places where depressed people have easy access to firearms. For the first time within the last decade, Montana did not rank top 3 in suicides according to KTVH.com. The American Association of Suicidology reported that in 2017 Montana ranked number one for suicides but with a statewide focus, they have dropped to number four in the national standings. New Mexico now holds the highest suicide rate in the country.
However, according to NBCnews.com, suicide has been a persistent problem in Montana and it is growing worse. The state saw nearly double the national average, and since 1999, that rate has risen 38%, even faster than the 30% national rise in suicides.
Montana's high rate can be attributed to several factors according to Billingsgazette.com. Montana has high populations of the most at-risk demographics for suicide, including veterans, Native Americans and middle-aged white men.
While Montana has a very high rate of suicide and has previously been ranked first in the United States, the latest data shows New Mexico has passed Montana for the highest rate of suicide in the U.S.
