Mississippi Violent Death Reporting System (MSVDRS)
The Mississippi Violent Death Reporting System collects comprehensive information on the circumstances of violent deaths in the state, combining data from death certificates, coroners' reports, and law enforcement.
Recognizing a Public Health Problem
Violence is a major public health problem, claiming more than 50,000 lives a year in the U.S., and costing billions in medical costs, legal costs, and loss of productivity. Violence takes an emotional toll as well, leaving long-term emotional and psychological consequences. Its effects extend into the community, disrupting services and security for those who live, work and learn there.
| Mississippi Violent Death Reporting System: Count, Percentage and Age-adjusted Rates by Manner of Death, 2024 (Data as of May 2026) |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Manner of death | Count | % of total deaths | Age-Adjusted Death Rate per 100,000 |
| Suicide | 426 | 42.7% | 14.3 |
| Homicide | 525 | 52.7% | 18.7 |
| Unintentional Firearm | 19 | 1.9% | 0.7 |
| Legal Intervention | 12 | 1.2% | 0.4 |
| Undetermined | 15 | 1.5% | 0.5 |
| Total | 997 | 100% | 34.6 |
Note: One case with unknown age was excluded from age-specific and age-adjusted rates calculation.
2024 Mississippi Resident Population Estimates: US Census.
2000 U.S. Standard Population: seer.cancer.gov
Violent Death Source: CDC Secure Access Management Services (SAMS) portal NVDRS Web 2024; data as of May 2026.
What Counts as a Violent Death
Homicides and suicides are the major classes of violent death counted by the Mississippi Violent Death Reporting System. Also counted are:
- Unintentional firearm-related deaths
- Deaths of undetermined intent which may have been due to violence
- Legal interventions and police actions (excluding executions)
Making a Difference
By gathering information on the circumstances of violent deaths, including the demographics of victims and suspects, their relationship, and the manner and place of death, the Mississippi Violent Death Reporting System hopes to gain insight on patterns and risk factors that lead to violent deaths. This in turn can lead to preventive steps that communities can take to deter future violent deaths. Violent death data can help demonstrate the need for state and federal funding for prevention efforts, and help guide suicide and violence prevention programs. The ultimate goal is to make communities safer and healthier to live in.
Reports and Research
- Annual Report 2021
- Research: Demographic, Circumstantial and Geographic Patterns of Firearm-related Homicides and Suicides in Mississippi, 2021-2023
Mississippi Violent Death Reporting System
MSDH Office of Preventive Health
715 Pear Orchard Road
Plaza I, Suite 100
Ridgeland, MS. 39157
(601) 206-1010
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Links referenced on this page |
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| seer.cancer.gov | https://seer.cancer.gov | |
| Annual Report 2021 | http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/31,21722,421,pdf/MS%2DVDRS%5FAnnual%5FReport%5F2021%2Epdf | |
| Research: Demographic, Circumstantial and Geographic Patterns of Firearm-related Homicides and Suicides in Mississippi, 2021-2023 | http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/31,21723,421,pdf/Patterns_of_Firearm-related_Homicides.pdf | |
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Resources referenced |
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| Research: Demographic, Circumstantial and Geographic Patterns of Firearm-related Homicides and Suicides in Mississippi, 2021-2023 | https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/31,21723,421,pdf/Patterns_of_Firearm-related_Homicides.pdf ok | |
Find this page at https://msdh.ms.gov/page/31,0,421.html