Los Angeles Drug Overdose Statistics (2024)

Los Angeles County recorded 2,438 drug-related overdose deaths in 2024 — a 22% decline from 3,137 deaths in 2023, and the most significant single-year drop in LA County history. Despite this progress, LA County health officials have described the gains as 'tenuous,' warning that federal funding reductions could reverse recent trends.

Source: LA County Dept. of Public Health, June 2025

How Many People Died from Drug Overdoses in LA County in 2024?

LA County recorded 2,438 drug-related overdose and poisoning deaths in 2024, down from 3,137 in 2023. This is the lowest total since 2019. The 22% year-over-year decline was driven by a 37% drop in fentanyl-related deaths and a 20% reduction in methamphetamine-related deaths. County officials attributed the decline to expanded investments in treatment (up 275%), prevention (up 260%), and harm reduction services (up 500%) during 2024. (Source: LA County DPH, June 2025)

Which Drug Kills the Most People in Los Angeles?

Fentanyl remains the leading drug in LA County overdose deaths, accounting for 52% of all accidental drug overdose deaths in 2024 — though this was a notable decline from 64% in 2023. Methamphetamine is the second-leading substance. Alcohol, though not tracked separately in this dataset, is a significant co-occurring factor across substance categories. (Source: LA County SAPC Fentanyl Overdose Report, 2025)

Who Is Most at Risk for Overdose in LA?

Several demographic patterns are consistent in LA County overdose data:

By age: Adults ages 26–39 have the highest fentanyl overdose death rate (22.8 per 100,000). Adults 40–64 have the highest raw count of deaths.

By sex: Males account for the overwhelming majority of fentanyl overdose deaths — the rate is approximately four times higher for males than females.

By race: Black residents have the highest fentanyl overdose death rate (31.7 per 100,000), followed by White residents (18.9), Hispanic/Latino residents (10.6), and Asian residents (1.8).

By income: Overdose death rates in the county's poorest areas (39.1 per 100,000) are nearly four times higher than in the most affluent areas (10.0 per 100,000). (Source: LA County SAPC Fentanyl Overdose Report, 2025)

What Is LA County Doing to Reduce Overdose Deaths?

In 2024, LA County scaled up investments significantly: substance use prevention by 260%, treatment services by 275%, and harm reduction services by 500%. The Fentanyl Frontline multimedia campaign expanded naloxone distribution throughout the county. The ByLAforLA.org platform was launched to connect residents to harm reduction services and reduce stigma.

California's CalRx Naloxone Access Initiative makes naloxone available OTC for $19 per twin-pack at pharmacies statewide, with no prescription required.

Where to Get Help in Los Angeles

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction in Los Angeles:

Cornerstone of Wellness: (213) 436-1435 — 24/7 placement advisors
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, mental health and substance use crisis)
LA County DMH Access Line: 1-800-854-7771 (24/7 crisis line)
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7)
LA County 211: 2-1-1 (social services and resources)
CalRx Naloxone: Available OTC at most CA pharmacies for $19/twin-pack, no Rx required

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does LA County rank nationally for drug overdose deaths?

Los Angeles County's overdose death rate per capita is below the national average, though its raw numbers are among the highest in the country due to its population size. The 2024 decline mirrors a national trend — the CDC reported a 37% reduction in fentanyl-related deaths nationwide during the same period.

Is fentanyl the only drug killing people in LA?

No. While fentanyl is the leading cause, methamphetamine remains the second-leading contributor to overdose deaths. Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and cocaine are significant co-occurring factors in many deaths. Many deaths involve multiple substances simultaneously.