Los Angeles County Overdose Data (2024)
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Los Angeles County recorded 2,438 drug-related overdose deaths in 2024 — down from 3,137 in 2023. That 22% year-over-year decline is the most significant drop in LA County history, according to the LA County Department of Public Health. Behind every number is a person and a family. The County also reported increasing its 2024 investments in prevention, treatment, and harm reduction by over 260%, 275%, and 500%, respectively.
The Headline: 22% Decline in 2024
LA County's overdose death count fell from 3,137 in 2023 to 2,438 in 2024 — the lowest number recorded since 2019, and the most significant decline in county history, according to the LA County Department of Public Health. The all-time high was 3,220 deaths in 2022 (LA County DPH, June 2026), a rate of nearly 33 per 100,000 population; the 2024 rate was nearly 25 per 100,000 (LA County DPH data reported by LAist).
Fentanyl-Specific Decline: 37%
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths in LA County fell 37% in 2024, according to the LA County Department of Public Health — from more than 2,000 in 2023 to 1,263 (LA County DPH data reported by LAist). Fentanyl's share of accidental overdose deaths fell to 52% in 2024, down from 64% the year before (LA County DPH).
Methamphetamine-Related Declines: 20%
Methamphetamine-related overdose deaths fell 20% in 2024, according to the LA County Department of Public Health. Both fentanyl- and methamphetamine-related deaths are now trending downward.
Demographics of 2024 Fentanyl Deaths
Fentanyl deaths in 2024 were most common among adults ages 40 to 64, followed by adults 26 to 39 (LA County DPH). Adjusted for population, adults 26 to 39 had the highest fentanyl overdose death rate, and about four men died of fentanyl overdose for every woman. Black residents were about 8% of the county population but accounted for 19% of fentanyl deaths (LA County DPH data reported by LAist).
Socioeconomic Equity Gap
The fentanyl overdose death rate was about four times higher in LA County neighborhoods where more than 30% of families live below the federal poverty line than in areas where fewer than 10% do (LA County DPH data reported by LAist). Addiction affects every community, but the burden is not shared equally.
What Changed in 2024
LA County reported increasing its 2024 investments in prevention, treatment, and harm reduction by over 260%, 275%, and 500%, respectively (LA County DPH). Naloxone nasal spray has been approved for over-the-counter sale since 2023 (FDA), and the county runs the ByLAforLA harm-reduction platform. Inpatient residential treatment — the level of care we help callers access — is one part of the treatment picture.
Historic Context: How Bad Did It Get?
Fentanyl-related deaths in LA County went from 109 in 2016 to more than 2,000 in 2023 — an increase of about 1,700% (LA County DPH data reported by LAist). Total drug overdose deaths reached an all-time high of 3,220 in 2022. Since then, overall deaths have fallen nearly 30% and fentanyl-related deaths more than 40% through 2025 (LA County DPH, June 2026).
Last reviewed: October 29, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did LA County overdose deaths drop so much in 2024?
No single factor explains it. LA County Public Health reported the 22% decline alongside 2024 investment increases of over 260% in prevention, 275% in treatment, and 500% in harm reduction, and naloxone has been available over the counter since 2023.
Are fentanyl overdose deaths still disproportionately affecting certain groups?
Yes. Black residents accounted for 19% of fentanyl overdose deaths in 2024 despite being about 8% of the county population, and the fentanyl overdose death rate was four times higher in neighborhoods where more than 30% of families live below the federal poverty line than in areas where fewer than 10% do (LA County DPH data reported by LAist).
Is LA County's decline continuing into 2025?
Yes. LA County recorded 2,298 accidental drug overdose and poisoning deaths in 2025, a 6% decrease from 2024, with a 10% reduction in fentanyl-related deaths and a 7% reduction in methamphetamine-related deaths, according to the LA County Department of Public Health (June 2026).
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