The homicide rate for ages 10 to 24 years reached a 30-year low in the United States, according to a press release from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The organization published their data in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report also shows that across all age and racial/ethnic groups, the homicide rates have declined from 1981 to 2010.
"Youth homicide rates varied substantially over this period with a sharp rise from 1985 to 1993 followed by a decline that has slowed since 1999," the CDC said in the press release. "Even with the slower downward trend in recent years, the youth homicide rate in 2010 was 7.5 per 100,000, the lowest in the 30-year period examined."
According to the CDC, additional findings indicate the need for increased use of youth violence prevention strategies approaches that engage high-risk youth.
"We are encouraged to see a decline in the homicide rate among our youth but unfortunately, homicide continues to rank in the top three leading causes of death for our young people," said Linda C. Degutis, Dr.P.H., M.S.N., director, CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. "Our youth represent our future and one homicide is one too many. Comprehensive approaches that include evidence-based prevention strategies are essential to eliminate homicide as a leading cause of death of young people."
Below are key facts about the CDC findings:
In 2010, 4,828 homicides occurred among youth ages 10 to 24 years in the U.S.
In 2010, youth homicide resulted in an estimated $9 billion in lost productivity and medical costs.
From 1985 to 1993, the overall youth homicide rate rose 83 percent (from 8.7 per 100,000 in 1985 to 15.9 in 1993).
From 1994 to 1999, the overall youth homicide rate declined 41 percent (from 15.2 per 100,000 in 1994 to 8.9 in 1999).
From 2000 to 2010, the overall youth homicide rate declined on average by about 1 percent per year.
For the full report and the study details, click here.
