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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Based on the most recent finalized data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for 2021 and 2022, Wyoming has the highest suicide rate in the United States, followed very closely by Montana and Alaska.

These states frequently trade the number one spot from year to year. They are part of a geographic region researchers often refer to as the "Suicide Belt," which encompasses the Mountain West. In Wyoming, the suicide rate is typically around 31 to 33 per 100,000 people—more than double the national average.

Researchers and public health experts attribute these high rates to a complex intersection of geographic, cultural, economic, and physical factors.

1. Geographic Isolation and Rural Living

Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska are incredibly vast and sparsely populated. Physical isolation can lead to deep social isolation, which is a major risk factor for depression and suicide. People living in highly rural areas often lack community support systems and regular social interaction, making it difficult for others to notice when someone is struggling.

2. Lack of Access to Mental Healthcare

Rural states face severe shortages of mental health professionals. Residents may have to drive hours to see a therapist or psychiatrist. Furthermore, rural areas often have fewer inpatient mental health facilities, limited broadband access for telehealth, and higher rates of people lacking health insurance.

3. High Rates of Firearm Ownership

Researchers consistently point to access to lethal means as a primary driver of suicide rates. The Mountain West has some of the highest rates of gun ownership in the country. Because suicidal crises are often brief and impulsive, the method chosen matters immensely. Firearms are the most lethal method of suicide (resulting in death in about 90% of attempts). When a gun is easily accessible during a temporary mental health crisis, the chance of a fatal outcome rises drastically.

4. Cultural Stigma and "Rugged Individualism"

The culture of the American West places a high value on self-reliance, stoicism, and "rugged individualism." This "cowboy culture" can create a profound stigma around mental health. People in these regions, particularly men, are often conditioned to suppress emotional pain, view asking for help as a sign of weakness, and attempt to handle their struggles independently until it is too late.

5. Demographics

The demographics of these states heavily skew toward the populations statistically most at risk for suicide. The highest suicide rates in the U.S. are among middle-aged and older white men, as well as Native American and Alaska Native populations. Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska have high concentrations of these specific demographic groups.

6. The "Altitude Hypothesis"

While still a subject of ongoing study, some researchers believe there is a physiological link between high altitude and suicide. Some studies suggest that chronic exposure to lower oxygen levels (hypoxia) at higher elevations may alter brain chemistry—specifically affecting the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation. This could make individuals living at high altitudes more susceptible to depression and suicidal ideation.

7. Economic Instability and Industry

Many rural Western states rely on industries that are subject to volatile "boom and bust" cycles, such as mining, oil and gas, and agriculture. The economic stress, job insecurity, and financial ruin that can accompany agricultural downturns or oil busts are significant stressors that can trigger mental health crises.

Ultimately, researchers emphasize that there is no single cause for the high suicide rate in Wyoming and its neighboring states. It is the overlapping nature of these factors—a person facing isolation, who is hesitant to seek help, lacks a therapist nearby, and has easy access to a firearm—that creates such a high risk.