ABS data summary 2017
Note: This preliminary data has been updated. Please see 2019 ABS suicide data summary for more information.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) provides in-depth data and statistical information around suicide related deaths across Australia.
Mindframe supports media professionals to communicate and contextualise the statistical information safely to the public, through advice, infographics and downloadable summaries.
Causes of Death key data
- Suicide is a prominent public health concern. Over a five year period from 2013 to 2017, the average number of suicide deaths per year was 2,918.
- In 2017, preliminary data showed a total of 3,128 deaths by suicide (age-specific suicide rate 12.7 per 100,000), 2,348 males (19.2 per 100,000) and 780 females (6.3 per 100,000). There were 2,866 deaths in 2016 (11.8 per 100,000) and 3,065 deaths in 2015 (12.9 per 100,000).
- Data shows that the largest increase was in the 45 to 54 aged male group when comparing 2017 to 2016 data, with 424 deaths (age-specific rate 27.2 per 100,000) in 2017 compared to 361 deaths (age-specific rate 23.3 per 100,000).
- There were increases in rates and numbers some states and territories, with the exception of Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia in 2017 when compared to 2016.
- Consistently over the past 10 years, the number of suicide deaths was approximately 3 times higher in males than females.
Infographic summaries of the 2017 data
The infographics below provide a visual summary for quick reference, so the data is presented to the public safely.
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