More firearm homicides were carried out by 10 to 19 year old Americans in metropolitan areas than all the other ages, a new MMWR report issued by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) this week revealed. In the year 2006-2007, 25,423 firearm homicides occurred throughout the whole country, as well as 34,234 suicides with a firearm.

4,166 firearm homicides were done by ten to nineteen year-olds, as well as 1,446 firearm suicides in the same year.

Nationally, there were 4.2 firearm homicides per 100,000 people annually, compared to 5.2 in the 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas (MSA). The centers of cities were seen to have the highest rates. 66% of metropolitan areas had higher-than-national rates.

In the 50 largest metropolitan areas the combined firearm homicide rate among 10 to 19 years old was 6.8 per 100,000 annually. Firearm suicide rates in this age group were relatively low.

The authors reported that city center firearm homicide rates are often double those in the metropolitan areas.

87% of firearm suicides were done by males.

The authors believe that prevention programs at both state and federal levels should focus more on younger people, and especially in city centers.

The Midwest and South have higher firearm homicide rates than the West and Northeast. The South has the highest all-ages suicide rate.

The greater the population density is, the higher the firearm homicide rate is, but firearm suicides rate drop.

Among youths aged 10 to 19, firearm homicide is the second leading cause of death.

The firearm homicide rate in the USA compared to other developed nations is alarming: Firearm homicide rates per 100,000 people:

  • USA – 4.2
  • Italy – 0.81
  • Switzerland – 0.5
  • Canada – 0.4
  • Finland – 0.35
  • Australia – 0.24
  • France – .21
  • England/Wales – 0.15
  • Scotland – 0.06
  • Japan – 0.02

25% of all American adults and 40% of all American households own at least one firearm. They own a total of 192 million firearms, of which 65 million are handguns.

“Violence-Related Firearm Deaths Among Residents of Metropolitan Areas and Cities – United States, 2006–2007”
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) May 13, 2011 / 60(18);573-578

Written by Christian Nordqvist