Home Accidents, Deaths and Injuries: Statistics and Facts

Home accidents caused 125,700 deaths in 2023, with poisoning as the top cause. Adults 75 and older face the highest risk, with a mortality rate nearly triple that of any other age group.

By Nathan Paulus

Edited by Venus Zoleta

Updated: February 10, 2025

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A senior woman has fallen at the bottom of her home stairs.

Our homes may feel safe, yet they account for over half of all preventable injury-related deaths in the U.S., with fatalities reaching a record-high 125,700 in 2023 according to the National Safety Council. Poisoning remains the leading cause, but other risks — such as falls, choking, mechanical suffocation and extreme temperatures — highlight the hidden dangers present in everyday environments.

These hazards don’t affect everyone equally — adults aged 75 and older face the greatest vulnerability due to falls, while state-level data shows stark differences. For instance, West Virginia reports the highest rate of 123 per 100,000 people, compared to just 45 in Nebraska and Utah.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: HOME DEATHS AND INJURIES (2023)

Total home deaths: 125,700 fatalities with a death rate of 37.5*
Top causes of home fatalities: Poisoning (77,000 deaths), falls (32,000 deaths) and fire-related incidents (3,100 deaths)
Lesser-known causes: Chocking, mechanical suffocation, drowning and extreme temperatures (7,600 deaths combined)
Age group with the highest death rate: Adults aged 75+ (124*)
Age group with highest deaths: Adults aged 45 to 64 (38,100 fatalities)
States with the highest death rates: West Virginia (123*), Tennessee (97*) and New Mexico (96*)
States with lowest death rates: Nebraska (45*), Utah (45*) and Texas (50*)

*Per 100,000 population

Home Deaths and Death Rates in the US

Home deaths reached a record 125,700 in 2023, with a death rate of roughly 38 per 100,000 people. While this marked a slight decline from 2022, the previous year set an all-time high with 128,800 deaths and a death rate of 39 per 100,000 population.

These fatalities account for over half of all preventable injury-related deaths annually, with the proportion rising from 56% in 2000 to a peak of 73% in 2020. This growth reflects the increasing risks within home environments, driven by factors such as poisoning, falls and other preventable hazards affecting diverse age groups.

Several years saw significant surges in home deaths, notably 2001 (14%), 2005 (11%) and 2016 (14%). The record-breaking 21% increase in 2020 further emphasizes the growing need for effective preventive measures and safety education.

WHAT DOES PREVENTABLE INJURY AND FATALITY MEAN?

Preventable injuries and fatalities are deaths or injuries caused by unintentional, avoidable incidents. These include events such as falls, poisonings and drownings that result from hazards in everyday environments. They don't include deaths from natural causes, illnesses or intentional actions like suicide.

By definition, these incidents are considered preventable through safety measures, education and proactive interventions.

Leading Causes of Deaths in Homes

Poisoning was the leading cause of preventable home fatalities in 2023, accounting for 77,000 deaths, followed by falls, which resulted in 32,000 deaths.

Other significant causes included fires, flames and smoke (3,100 deaths) and choking (3,000 deaths). While less common, mechanical suffocation caused 1,600 fatalities and drowning accounted for 1,400 deaths. Additional risks, such as natural heat and cold (1,200 deaths) and firearms (400 deaths), though lower in frequency, still pose serious threats.

Shop for home insurance to protect yourself financially against the costs of accidents or damage caused by these preventable incidents.

Poisoning and falling combined accounted for 86.8% of all home accident fatalities in 2023. The following causes each contributed less than 3% of the total:

Fires, flames and smoke: 2.5%
Choking: 2.4%
Mechanical suffocation: 1.3%
Drowning: 1.1%

Although these percentages may seem small, they still represent thousands of lives lost. Other causes, such as natural heat and cold (1%) and firearms (0.3%), accounted for fewer deaths but remain significant risks.

Poisoning

Poisoning caused 77,000 home deaths in 2023, making it the leading cause of fatalities for three age groups: 95% of deaths among adults aged 25 to 44, 92% for those aged 15 to 24 and 83% for those aged 45 to 64. Poisoning incidents include drug overdoses, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption and carbon monoxide exposure.

Cleaning supplies like bleach, detergents and other chemicals can be fatal if ingested. Paint and pesticides also pose significant risks. To prevent such incidents, store these products in secure locations out of children’s reach.

Falling

Falls can affect people of all ages, but fatalities are much more common among older adults. Falls were the leading cause of home deaths for those aged 65 to 74, contributing to 36% of fatalities. The risk rises further for those aged 75 and older, where it accounted for 78% of deaths.

Everyday household items like toys, walkers or poorly placed rugs can cause trips and falls. Bathrooms and stairs are especially hazardous. Minimize risks by installing grab bars in bathrooms, using non-slip mats, ensuring good lighting and keeping walkways clear of clutter or tripping hazards.

Choking

Choking isn't the top cause for any specific age group, but it remains a significant concern, especially for young children and older adults. It accounted for 5% of home fatalities among individuals aged 65 and older and 4% for children under 14.

Keep small objects like marbles and toys out of kids’ reach and cut food into smaller pieces to reduce choking risks. Encourage older adults to eat slowly and supervise young children during meals. Knowing first-aid techniques, like the Heimlich maneuver to clear blocked airways, can be life-saving.

Fires, Flames and Smoke

Fires caused by cooking accidents, unattended stoves or electrical faults led to 3,100 home deaths in 2023. Candles that tip over and improperly extinguished cigarettes are also common causes of fires at home.

Failing to extinguish flames properly can result in severe burns or smoke inhalation. The latter is especially dangerous, as toxic fumes can cause fatalities before visible flames become a threat. Installing smoke detectors and keeping fire extinguishers nearby can help reduce risks.

Mechanical Suffocation

Mechanical suffocation caused 1,600 home fatalities in 2023 and is the leading cause of home deaths for children under four, accounting for 52% of fatalities in this age group.

Common hazards include entanglement with window blind cords, climbing into refrigerators or becoming trapped in enclosed spaces. Plastic bags and other items also pose serious risks. Childproofing and removing these dangers from play areas can help reduce incidents.

Drowning

Drowning led to 1,400 home deaths in 2023, primarily affecting children under four. For this age group, drowning accounted for 17% of fatalities, often in homes with unfenced swimming pools or other water features.

Bathtubs and hot tubs also pose risks, especially when young children are left unsupervised. Pool fencing and constant supervision during water activities or bath time are essential to prevent such incidents.

Natural Heat and Cold

Extreme temperatures caused 1,200 preventable home deaths in 2023, with older adults being the most at risk. Heat-related fatalities often result from dehydration and prolonged exposure, while cold-related deaths are commonly due to hypothermia in poorly heated homes.

To reduce risks, maintain proper ventilation during heat waves, ensure reliable home heating in colder months, and use weather-appropriate clothing. These simple actions can significantly protect the elderly and other at-risk individuals.

Firearms

Firearms caused 400 preventable home deaths in 2023, with young adults and children among the most affected. The highest number of fatalities occurred among young adults aged 25 to 44 (100 deaths), followed by 15 to 24 and 45 to 64 (70 deaths). Many incidents stem from unsecured firearms being accessed accidentally.

To prevent these tragedies, store firearms unloaded in locked cabinets, with ammunition stored separately. Educating households about firearm safety, especially in homes with children, is also crucial to reduce the risk of accidental injuries or deaths.

HOME SAFETY TIPS

Simple adjustments can significantly reduce risks in your home. Here’s how to create a safer environment for everyone:

Clearly label toxic products: To minimize accidental poisonings, use clear, childproof labels for hazardous materials like cleaning supplies and medications.
Install stair gates: Install safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases to prevent young children and older adults from falling.
Anchor heavy furniture: Secure tall furniture, like bookshelves and dressers, to walls to prevent them from tipping over during accidental climbing.
Check water temperature: Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scalding injuries, especially for children and older adults.
Inspect electrical cords and outlets: Look for frayed cords and loose outlets that can cause fires or electric shocks, and repair or replace them promptly.

Causes of Home Deaths Over Time

Poisoning remains the leading cause of preventable home deaths, with 77,000 fatalities in 2023. While its prevalence underscores the need for ongoing prevention, other less common causes — such as mechanical suffocation, drowning and extreme temperatures — also require attention. Although fewer, these incidents represent critical safety gaps that can be addressed with targeted interventions.

Falls closely followed poisoning, causing 32,000 deaths and continuing to pose significant risks, especially for older adults. Together, these two causes account for most preventable home deaths, emphasizing the need for proactive safety measures.

Natural heat and cold claimed 1,200 lives, often affecting vulnerable populations without adequate heating or cooling. Firearm-related deaths, though the least frequent at 400 fatalities, underscore the ongoing need for proper storage and education to prevent accidental injuries.

Home Deaths and Death Rates by Age Group

Home accident statistics show that fatalities are concentrated in three primary age groups. In 2023, adults aged 25 to 44 (36,000 deaths), 45 to 64 (38,100 deaths) and 75 and older (30,400 deaths) accounted for 84% of all home deaths.

Although seniors aged 75 and older made up a smaller proportion of total deaths compared to those aged 25 to 64, their death rate per 100,000 people was significantly higher at about 124, highlighting their greater vulnerability to home-related hazards.

Protect your home with preventive measures and financial coverage, such as personal liability insurance, to reduce risks for anyone on your property.

Causes of Deaths in Homes by Age Group

Home accidents affect different age groups in unique ways. Poisoning and falls remain the leading causes across all groups, but the specific risks vary. The graph below shows how these causes differ across three primary age groups.

For newborns and children up to age 14, mechanical suffocation is the leading cause, with 1,190 fatalities in 2023. Drowning follows with 730 deaths, highlighting the importance of childproofing and constant supervision around water.

In the 15 to 64 age group, poisoning (including drug overdoses) is the dominant cause, contributing to 91,970 deaths — about 90% of fatalities in this group. Falls (4,820 deaths) and drowning (2,280 deaths) are the second and third most common causes.

Among seniors aged 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of death, responsible for 41,230 fatalities in 2023. This accounts for over three-quarters of all fatalities in this group, emphasizing the need for fall prevention measures such as grab bars and non-slip mats.

FINANCIAL IMPACT OF HOME ACCIDENTS

Home accidents can be expensive, from medical bills to property repairs. For example, the average cost of a fall for older adults is over $62,000, and fires caused $14.7 billion in property damage in 2023.

Investing in prevention can help lower these costs. Simple items like a $20 smoke detector or a $50 grab bar can reduce the risk of accidents. Many homeowners insurance policies offer discounts for safety upgrades, making prevention even cheaper.

By taking small steps now, you can protect your family and finances from the high costs of home accidents.

Home Deaths and Death Rates by State

In 2023, West Virginia reported the highest preventable injury-related death rate at 123 per 100,000 population, followed by Tennessee (97) and New Mexico (96). These states face significant challenges from falls, poisonings and other household hazards.

Nebraska (45), Utah (45), and Texas (50) reported the lowest rates. However, even these lower numbers still represent significant preventable deaths, highlighting the continued need for proactive safety measures.

State	Preventable Death Rate
Alabama	70.8
Alaska	93.1
Arizona	82.2
Arkansas	63.3
California	54.4
Colorado	71.2
Connecticut	62.4
Delaware	84.0
Florida	74.4
Georgia	57.5
Hawaii	56.4
Idaho	63.1
Illinois	57.8
Indiana	66.5
Iowa	57.8
Kansas	62.7
Kentucky	89.4
Louisiana	88.3
Maine	93.4
Maryland	59.2
Massachusetts	63.8
Michigan	61.1
Minnesota	65.0
Mississippi	80.9
Missouri	74.5
Montana	67.2
Nebraska	45.0
Nevada	78.4
New Hampshire	72.8
New Jersey	50.7
New Mexico	96.2
New York	54.5
North Carolina	74.6
North Dakota	54.9
Ohio	79.7
Oklahoma	85.4
Oregon	86.0
Pennsylvania	73.0
Rhode Island	75.4
South Carolina	87.9
South Dakota	58.4
Tennessee	96.7
Texas	49.9
Utah	45.2
Vermont	87.3
Virginia	59.1
Washington	79.8
West Virginia	122.9
Wisconsin	81.9
Wyoming	64.4

Note: Preventable death rate per 100,000 population

Source: National Safety Council

Causes of Deaths in Homes by State

The preventable injury-related home death rate in the U.S. rose slightly in 2023 to 66.5 per 100,000 population, up from 68.1 in 2022. However, specific causes of preventable deaths — such as poisoning, falls and choking — show significant variation across states.

Poisoning was the leading cause of home deaths in most states, with West Virginia reporting the highest poisoning-related death rate at 78. Alaska (50) and Tennessee (50) also had high rates, reflecting the impact of substance misuse and hazardous material exposure in these areas.

Falls were another major cause, with Wisconsin having the highest fall-related death rate at 33. Alabama had the lowest at six.

Although less common, choking still caused notable fatalities in several states. Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Alaska and Mississippi had the highest choking death rate at three, while Maine and Wyoming reported no choking-related deaths in 2023.

Home Death and Injury FAQ

The number of fatalities and injuries from preventable home accidents is concerning. To help you understand and minimize these risks, MoneyGeek has compiled frequently asked questions with key insights into home safety and accident prevention.

What is the definition of home accident?

A home accident refers to any unintentional injury or fatality that occurs within or around a home environment. These include incidents like falls, poisonings, drownings and mechanical suffocations, which happen due to preventable hazards in the household.

How many accidents happen close to home?

In 2023, an estimated 175,300 preventable deaths occurred within home premises or communities, accounting for roughly 79% of all preventable injury-related deaths. This marks a 78% increase in home and community deaths over the past decade and an 69% increase in the death rate per 100,000 people compared to earlier years.

Where do most home accidents occur?

Home accidents can happen in any room, with specific hazards linked to different areas. Poisoning — often involving cleaning materials or medications — is common in kitchens, bathrooms and garages. Falls typically occur on stairs or in bathrooms, while drowning is more frequent in pools or bathtubs. Choking often happens in dining or living rooms during meals.

How can you prevent accidents from happening at home?

Prevention lies in small but impactful changes. Ensure carbon monoxide alarms are functioning to prevent poisoning. Store detergents and chemicals out of children’s reach. Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and install non-slip strips on stairs to reduce fall risks.

What are the most common causes of death from home accidents?

Poisoning is the leading cause of home deaths, especially among those aged 25 to 44, often due to drug overdoses or improper handling of household chemicals. It accounts for about half of all accidental home deaths.

For those aged 75 and older, falls pose the greatest risk. For children under five, mechanical suffocation is the leading cause of home accidents, often preventable.

What percentage of deaths at home are accidental?

According to the National Safety Council, around 79% of all preventable deaths occur in homes or communities. These deaths result from various unintentional incidents such as poisoning, falls and choking.

Which age group is most susceptible to home deaths?

The 45 to 64 age group accounts for the largest proportion of home fatalities, making up 30% of preventable injury-related deaths. However, those aged 75 and older have the highest death rate, with 124 deaths per 100,000 population, largely due to falls.

What are the most common household injuries?

The most common household injuries include slips and falls, poisoning, burns and cuts. Falls are particularly prevalent among older adults, while poisoning often involves medications or household chemicals. Burns and cuts are frequent in kitchen-related accidents.