Suicide Rates in San Diego County Climb for Third Straight Year

Figures remain lower than pre-pandemic levels, but local communities see concerning increases

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:39pm

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San Diego County's suicide rate has increased for the third consecutive year, though it remains lower than the pre-pandemic peak in 2018. The San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council reported 11.4 suicides per 100,000 residents in 2024, up from 2021 but still below the 2018 rate of 13.1 per 100,000. While the local picture is better than the national trend, certain communities like Valley Center, Santee, and Oceanside have seen per-capita rates ranging from 14.1 to 17.3 per 100,000.

Why it matters

The gradual return to pre-pandemic suicide rates in San Diego County is concerning, as the region had seen a significant drop in self-harm during the COVID-19 crisis. Experts say factors like increased access to mental health support and community engagement during the pandemic may have contributed to the initial decline, underscoring the importance of maintaining those protective elements going forward.

The details

According to the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council, the region saw 11.4 suicides per 100,000 residents in 2024, up from 2021 but still below the 2018 peak of 13.1 per 100,000. Suicide deaths were most common among white men aged 70-79, with firearms and asphyxia being the most frequent methods. Certain communities like Valley Center, Santee, and Oceanside had notably higher per-capita rates ranging from 14.1 to 17.3 per 100,000.

  • In 2018, the suicide rate in San Diego County was 13.1 per 100,000 residents.
  • In 2020, the suicide rate saw a significant nationwide drop during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In 2021, the suicide rate in San Diego County was lower than the 2018 peak.
  • In 2024, the suicide rate in San Diego County increased to 11.4 per 100,000 residents.

The players

San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council

A local organization that tracks and works to address suicide rates in the San Diego region.

Yeni Linqui Palomino

Vice president of community health and engagement for the San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council.

Sebastian Slovin

Executive director of an organization that provides support and resources for those impacted by suicide.

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What they’re saying

“During the pandemic, because everybody was feeling like their mental health was, you know, somewhat compromised, they were supporting each other; we had these little bubbles where people were checking in on each other. When you talk about preventing suicide, you know, staying with that person, not giving them judgment, those are important.”

— Yeni Linqui Palomino, Vice President of Community Health and Engagement, San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council

“I learned the hard way that mental health challenges and suicide thrive on being in the shadows. Avoiding the topic does not work, but addressing it does.”

— Sebastian Slovin, Executive Director

What’s next

The San Diego County Suicide Prevention Council is working to maintain the sense of community support and mental health awareness that emerged during the pandemic, offering free training programs and pushing to destigmatize discussions around suicide.

The takeaway

While San Diego's suicide rate remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, the gradual increase over the past three years is a concerning trend that underscores the need for continued mental health support and open dialogue within local communities.