Suicides in England and Wales: 2023 registrations
In 2023, there were 6,069 suicides registered in England and Wales, a rate of 11.4 deaths per 100,000 people. This is higher than 2022’s rate of 10.7 deaths per 100,000 (5,642 deaths) and is the highest since 1999.
Male suicide rates increased to 17.4 deaths per 100,000 in 2023. This is up from 16.4 in 2022, marking the highest rate for males since 1999. Female suicide rates rose to 5.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2023. This is up from 5.4 in 2022, the highest rate for females since 1994.
The age groups most affected were:
- Males aged 45–49 – 25.5 deaths per 100,000
- Females aged 50–54 – 9.2 deaths per 100,000
Wales had a higher suicide rate (14.0 deaths per 100,000) compared to England (11.2 deaths per 100,000). Rates rose in both countries compared to 2022. In England, London had the lowest rate (7.3 deaths per 100,000), while the North West had the highest (14.7 deaths per 100,000).
It is important to note that suicide rates are based on date of registration of death, which happens after an inquest and can sometimes take more than a year.