Note: Data behind these maps and for the latest reporting period 2015–2019 are available on the Data downloads page: AIHW National Mortality Database—Suicide (ICD-10 X60–X84, Y87.0). Choropleth maps of 2015–2019 data will be updated in a future release.
Over the 5-year period 2014–2018, reportable suicide rates in persons at SA3 level, were:
- highest in the SA3 areas of Kimberley in Western Australia (41.9 deaths per 100,000 population), Outback – South in Queensland (30.7), Litchfield in the Northern Territory (26.7), Tablelands (East) – Kuranda (26.4) and Burnett (25.9)—both in Queensland
- lowest in the SA3 areas of Chatswood - Lane Cove, Kogarah - Rockdale, and Carlingford (all areas of Sydney, New South Wales) (about 6 deaths per 100,000 population).
Over the same period (2014–2018), reportable suicide rates in males, at SA4 level, were:
- highest in the SA4 areas of Mandurah, Western Australia (36.1 deaths per 100,000 population), Wide Bay, Queensland (36.0), Queensland - Outback (35.8), Cairns, Queensland (35.5) and Western Australia – Outback (South) (33.0)
- lowest in the SA4 areas of Sydney - Ryde, Sydney - Parramatta, and Sydney - Inner South West (all New South Wales) (8.7, 9.7 and 10.1 deaths per 100,000 population).
While for females, suicide rates over the 5-year period 2014–2018, at SA4 level, were:
- highest in the SA4 areas of Western Australia - Outback (North) (14.2 deaths per 100,000 population), Northern Territory - Outback (13.6), Western Australia - Outback (South) (11.9), Queensland - Outback (11.5) and Bunbury in Western Australia (10.9)
- lowest in the SA4 areas of Melbourne - North West (Victoria) and Sydney - Blacktown and Sydney - South West (both New South Wales) (3.2 and 3.3 deaths per 100,000 population).
From 2014 to 2018 the SA3 areas consistently reporting the highest yearly suicide rates were:
- Kimberley (Western Australia), Burnett (Queensland), Daly – Tiwi – West Arnhem (Northern Territory), Tablelands (East) – Kuranda (Queensland) and Goldfields (Western Australia).
The AIHW is committed to continually improving the quality, ease-of-use, and timeliness of its products. In this product, we are using a new data visualisation tool to present results by geographical areas using maps. We welcome any feedback on this new presentation and hope that it will provide useful insights into the topic. As this tool is a relatively new addition to our website, we will be continuing to work to enhance its use and would welcome any feedback.