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: November 5, 2025

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

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

Homes may feel safe, but they account for over half of all preventable injury-related deaths in the U.S., with fatalities reaching a record 125,700 in 2023 (based on National Safety Council data). Poisoning is the leading cause, followed by falls, choking, mechanical suffocation and extreme temperatures.

Risk varies by age and location. Adults 75 and older are most vulnerable to falls, while state-level data shows stark differences. West Virginia reports the highest rate at 123 per 100,000 people, compared to 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: Choking, 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 accidents caused 125,700 deaths in 2023, with a death rate of roughly 38 per 100,000 people. Deaths declined slightly from 2022's all-time high of 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. The proportion rose from 56% in 2000 to 73% in 2020. Poisoning, falls and other preventable hazards increased risks across all age groups.

Home deaths surged in 2001 (14%), 2005 (11%) and 2016 (14%). The record-breaking 21% increase in 2020 underscores the need for 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 serious 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.

Home insurance covers repair costs and liability expenses from 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 serious 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 serious 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 serious 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 serious 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 reduce risks for the elderly and other vulnerable people.

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 reduce risks in your home. Here's how to create a safer environment:

Label toxic products clearly: Use childproof labels for hazardous materials like cleaning supplies and medications.
Install stair gates: Place 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 tipping.
Check water temperature: Set your water heater to 120°F (49°C) or lower to prevent scalding injuries.
Inspect electrical cords and outlets: Look for frayed cords and loose outlets, 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. Other causes, such as mechanical suffocation, drowning and extreme temperatures, also require attention and represent safety gaps that can be addressed with targeted interventions.

Falls closely followed poisoning, causing 32,000 deaths and posing risks, especially for older adults. These two causes account for most preventable home deaths.

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, highlight the 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.

Seniors aged 75 and older made up a smaller proportion of total deaths compared to those aged 25 to 64, but their death rate per 100,000 people was much higher at about 124.

Personal liability insurance covers costs if someone is injured on your property. Combine this financial coverage with preventive measures to reduce home accident risks.

Causes of Deaths in Homes by Age Group

Home accidents affect age groups differently. Poisoning and falls are the leading causes across all groups, but 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. Childproofing and constant supervision around water can prevent these incidents.

Poisoning (including drug overdoses) dominates the 15 to 64 age group, contributing to 91,970 deaths, about 90% of fatalities. Falls (4,820 deaths) and drowning (2,280 deaths) are the second and third most common causes.

Falls are the leading cause of death among seniors aged 65 and older, responsible for 41,230 fatalities in 2023. This accounts for over three-quarters of all fatalities. Grab bars and non-slip mats can help prevent falls.

FINANCIAL IMPACT OF HOME ACCIDENTS

Home accidents are expensive. Medical bills and property repairs add up quickly. The average cost of a fall for older adults exceeds $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 accident risk. Many homeowners insurance policies offer discounts for safety upgrades, making prevention more affordable.

Small steps now can help you avoid high medical bills and property repair costs from 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 challenges from falls, poisonings and other household hazards.

Nebraska (45), Utah (45) and Texas (50) reported the lowest rates. Even these lower numbers represent preventable deaths that require ongoing 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. Specific causes of preventable deaths, such as poisoning, falls and choking, vary widely 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 a 69% increase in the death rate per 100,000 people compared to earlier years.

Where do most home accidents occur?

Home accidents happen in any room, with specific hazards in different areas. Poisoning, often involving cleaning materials or medications, is common in kitchens, bathrooms and garages. Falls 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?

Small changes can prevent accidents. Ensure carbon monoxide alarms are functioning. 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 highest risk. For children under five, mechanical suffocation is the leading cause of home accidents and is often preventable.

What percentage of deaths at home are accidental?

Around 79% of all preventable deaths occur in homes or communities, according to the National Safety Council. These deaths result from 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. Those aged 75 and older have the highest death rate at 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.