At least 1,352 Washington residents died by suicide in 2025, according to preliminary state figures released this week. The findings draw attention to older adults, young people and rural communities, alongside renewed efforts to make support easier to find.
In its Oct. 26 announcement, the Washington State Department of Health reported a statewide increase from 2024. Adults 65 and older had the largest increase in their death rate among age groups. Rates also rose among children and teens ages 10–17 and people living in rural communities.
A longer view for Snohomish and Island counties
The report’s county figures cover 2021–25 combined. During those five years, it recorded 606 suicide deaths in Snohomish County and 73 in Island County.
For that period, the age-adjusted rates were 13.5 deaths per 100,000 people in Snohomish County and 15.0 in Island County, compared with 15.0 statewide. These are countywide figures for a five-year period; the state’s latest announcement compares 2025 with 2024.
DOH says the causes of suicide involve a complex mix of biological, social and environmental factors. Its prevention work includes strengthening social connection and improving access to treatment and support.
A public view of crisis response
A separate Oct. 19 announcement introduced a public dashboard for Washington’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It tracks calls, texts and online chats, along with answer rates, trends and geographic patterns.
For August 2026, DOH reported 17,969 calls, 4,510 texts and 2,556 chats. Those totals count contacts with the service. Washington’s crisis hubs answered 92.7% of incoming calls routed to them that month.
The in-state answer rate measures one part of the response system. DOH says national backup centers provide another layer of coverage when a Washington counselor cannot answer. The dashboard gives residents and policymakers a way to follow demand and how the system responds.
Finding support and connection
If you are experiencing a suicidal crisis or emotional distress, call 988, text 988, or use https://988lifeline.org/chat/ to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
For people looking for more everyday connection, DOH’s Find Your People offers a tool for exploring opportunities around shared interests. The project pays particular attention to the challenges older adults can face in finding company, while welcoming people of all ages.
Information checked Oct. 29, 2026. The state describes its 2025 suicide figures as preliminary.
