In this article, we will take a look at the 20 states with the most guns per capita in the US.
The United States is one of the most unique countries in the world, as its constitution explicitly allows the population to own firearms. As a result, a significant number of Americans own guns, making the US the country with the highest number of civilian-owned firearms. India, with a population of 1.44 billion, ranks a distant second to the US in firearm ownership, with 71 million guns in civilian hands. Gun sales in the United States have consistently remained high despite regulatory measures, such as the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, enforced by state and federal authorities.
The Firearm Market
The global firearms industry was valued at $41.7 billion in 2023. Although the market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6% from 2024 to 2032, stringent regulations by governments worldwide regarding gun ownership could hinder market growth. However, increasing political unrest and cross-border conflicts have fueled the demand for guns and accessories in the US. For example, shares of major gunmakers, such as Sturm, Ruger & Company, and Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:SWBI), surged on July 15 following an assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Gun sales reached unprecedented highs in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic and social upheaval following the death of George Floyd. Consequently, the stock prices of gun makers surged, with shares of Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:SWBI) hitting all-time highs near the $35 mark. By 2022, the market appeared to bottom out as sales declined to approximately 17.4 million total guns, down from nearly 22.7 million during the pandemic. However, gun makers remain confident about future sales. In its FQ4 2024 earnings call, Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:SWBI) reported over $159 million in net sales, nearly a 10% increase from the same quarter last year. “While the summer months will be highly competitive as we navigate the traditionally slower season for firearms,” said President and CEO Mark Smith, “we continue to expect healthy demand overall for firearms in fiscal year 2025, and Smith & Wesson is well positioned to deliver another solid year of growth.”
SWBI stock lost more than half of its value since peaking in June 2021. Its stock return should normalize going forward and return around 7-10% annually. However, we believe there are better stocks to invest in right now. For example, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology stands out as one of the most promising fields for investors. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than SWBI but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
Gun Violence: A Uniquely American Problem
On average, 120 Americans die each day from gun-related incidents, including suicides and homicides, totaling approximately 43,375 deaths per year. From 2015 to 2019, the US gun homicide rate was 26 times higher than that of other high-income countries, and its gun suicide rate was nearly 12 times higher. Mass shootings, defined as attacks where at least four people are injured or killed excluding the shooter, have been increasing since 2015, reaching a peak of 686 incidents in 2021. Despite the staggering toll, the political debate over preventing guns from falling into the hands of those who may harm themselves or others remains highly contentious. In addition, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), signed by President Bush in 2005, protects firearm manufacturers against lawsuits filed by cities or individuals affected by the manufacturers’ or retailers’ dangerous business practices. However, in 2022, Congress reached a deal on limited gun reforms for the first time in nearly 30 years, prompted by the tragic elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the deadliest school shooting since 2012.
As the November election approaches, The United States’ complex and storied relationship with firearms is set to take center stage. The two major presidential candidates have significantly different stances on firearm rights, which are crucial to voters’ perceptions of safety. For many Americans, stringent gun control laws are essential for their safety, while for others, expanding access to firearms enhances their sense of security. Due to the vast size of the United States, imposing regulatory control on firearm ownership poses a significant challenge for the federal government.
Photo by STNGR Industries on Unsplash
Our Methodology
In this article, we have listed the top 20 states with the most guns per capita. To compile our data, we referenced a published report by Ammo.com, which provides state-level estimates of household firearm ownership as of 2024, offering a useful measure of gun ownership within each population. The states are ranked in ascending order based on guns per capita. Additionally, we incorporated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on firearm mortality by state, using the most recent data available from 2022, detailing the number of deaths caused by firearms.
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20 States with the Most Guns Per Capita in the US
20. Oklahoma
Guns Per Capita: 25.9
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 19.8
Oklahoma, renowned for its Native American culture, stunning landscapes, and oil and gas production, ranks as the 19th largest state in the United States by area. Approximately 54.7% of adults in Oklahoma households own firearms, and the state experiences about 19.8 gun deaths per 100,000 people.
19. Pennsylvania
Guns Per Capita: 26.9
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 14.7
Pennsylvania is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the northeastern United States that does not restrict the types of weapons individuals may possess, allowing residents to own handguns, rifles, shotguns, and assault weapons without requiring a purchaser identification card or permit. In the first four months of 2024, Pennsylvania saw a 23% decrease in gun homicides compared to the previous year.
18. Mississippi
Guns Per Capita: 27.4
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 29.6
Mississippi, the 32nd largest by area and 35th most populous of the 50 US states, has the lowest per-capita income. Renowned for its blues and bluegrass music, magnolias, and Southern hospitality and charm, Unfortunately, the state ranks among the worst US states in terms of health, development, and economy. Additionally, with a death rate of 29.6, Mississippi ranks among the worst US states with regards to gun violence.
17. Georgia
Guns Per Capita: 28.2
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 19.7
The state of Georgia is reputable for being the birthplace of many influential people, most notably Martin Luther King. Also celebrated for its Southern hospitality, Georgia is the 24th largest state in the US and ranks 17th on our list of states with the most guns per capita. In 2022, there were 2,361 gun-related deaths in the state.
16. Louisiana
Guns Per Capita: 32.9
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 28.2
Louisiana, a southeastern US state on the Gulf of Mexico, is known for its rich history as a melting pot of French, African, American, and French-Canadian cultures, which is evident in its Creole and Cajun heritage. The state does not prohibit the open carry of firearms in public and does not require universal background checks before gun purchases, perhaps making it one of the reasons why the state ranks second highest in firearm mortality by state, with approximately 28.2 gun deaths per 100,000 people.
15. Montana
Guns Per Capita: 33.2
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 23.9
Montana, the fourth largest state in the US, is renowned for its mountains, forests, and expansive open spaces, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and hunting. It boasts the highest percentage of gun ownership in the country, with 65.7% of its residents owning firearms.
14. Tennessee
Guns Per Capita: 34.1
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 20.5
Tennessee, a landlocked state in the US South, is known for its centrally located capital, Nashville, the heart of the country music scene. Residents consider Tennessee a great place to live, thanks to its thriving economy and low cost of living. However, shooting deaths in Tennessee have been rising for nearly a decade. Recent studies show the state reached historic highs in 2021, with more than 1,500 Tennesseans killed by gunfire.
13. Arizona
Guns Per Capita: 35.6
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 20.1
Arizona, a southwestern US state best known for the Grand Canyon, receives high marks for its warm weather, natural wonders, and affordable housing. As a relatively gun-friendly state, Arizona’s Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) is recognized in 36 states, and visitors to Arizona can open carry in most locations.
12. Nevada
Guns Per Capita: 37.9
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 18.9
Nevada, known as the Silver State, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant city life. As the 7th-largest and 32nd-most populous state, Nevada’s GDP grew at an annualized rate of 2.5% over the five years leading up to 2023. Recent estimates indicate Nevada has 37.9 guns per capita.
11. Alaska
Guns Per Capita: 38.5
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 22.4
Alaska, known for its vast wilderness, glaciers, and mountains, is the largest state in the US by area. A popular destination for outdoor recreation, it is home to numerous national parks. However, the state’s natural beauty is marred with its reputation for violence, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation stating that Alaska’s violent crime rate remained far above the national average in 2022, with a rate of 758.9 violent crimes per 100,000 people, compared to the US rate of 380.7. Additionally, the number of gun deaths per 100,000 people in the state came in at 22.4, the 7th highest in the nation.
10. Alabama
Guns Per Capita: 38.7
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 25.5
Alabama, a southeastern US state, is home to significant landmarks from the American Civil Rights Movement, where many pivotal events took place. Despite its proud history, the current firearm climate has tarnished the state’s reputation. With a population of just five million, Alabama has the fourth highest firearms death rate in the country.
9. North Dakota
Guns Per Capita: 40
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 16.4
North Dakota is a family-friendly state known for its relatively low cost of living and high quality of life. Despite its crazy-cold winters, the Peace Garden State routinely ranks as one of the happiest. On the other hand, North Dakota is also among the top 10 states with the most guns per capita, with about 40 guns per capita.
8. Idaho
Guns Per Capita: 40.2
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 17
Idaho, the 14th-largest state in America, is a popular destination for outdoor activities and home to several national parks. In 2022, Idaho had the 20th highest gun death rate among the states, with an average of 303 people dying from gun violence annually. This translates to one death from gun violence every 29 hours. Of these deaths, 85% are suicides, and 9% are homicides.
7. Arkansas
Guns Per Capita: 44.3
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 21.9
Arkansas, the 29th largest state in the US by area, is renowned for its natural beauty, including the Ozark Mountains, and is notably the leading diamond-producing state in America. It ranks among the top states with the most guns per capita and has some of the weakest gun laws in the country, contributing to its eighth-highest gun death rate.
6. Virginia
Guns Per Capita: 49
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 14.9
Virginia, a southeastern US state, extends from the Chesapeake Bay to the Appalachian Mountains and boasts a long Atlantic coastline. Known as “the birthplace of a nation” due to being the site of the first permanent English settlement, Virginia has a significant historical heritage. According to the Virginia Department of Health, there were 2,760 firearm injury emergency department visits in 2022, with an average of three Virginians dying by firearm every day between 2016 and 2022.
5. New Hampshire
Guns Per Capita: 52.1
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 10.1
New Hampshire, a New England state known for its quaint towns and vast wilderness, experiences an average of 143 gun-related deaths annually. This translates to a death from gun violence approximately every 61 hours. Of these deaths, 88% are suicides and 9% are homicides. From 2013 to 2022, the rate of gun deaths in New Hampshire increased by 57%, compared to a 36% increase nationwide.
4. New Mexico
Guns Per Capita: 58.1
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 27.3
As part of the American Southwest, New Mexico embodies the “Old West” legacy of cattle drives, cowboys, and conflicts between pioneers and Native Americans. Its gun laws are moderate, featuring regulations praised by gun control advocates, such as the requirement for private gun sales to undergo a criminal background check through a licensed dealer. Despite these measures, New Mexico ranks 4th in the nation for guns per capita.
3. South Dakota
Guns Per Capita: 72.2
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 15.7
With a population of just over 900,000, South Dakota is an expansive Midwestern state known for the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, and the Black Hills. In 2022, South Dakota had the twenty-fourth highest gun death rate in the country, with 141 deaths recorded by the CDC.
2. West Virginia
Guns Per Capita: 92.8
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 16.2
West Virginia, nestled in the tree-covered Appalachian Mountains, is known for its coal mining, outdoor recreation, and beautiful scenery. The state has one of the higher rates of gun deaths in the US, with a rate of 16.2 gun deaths per 100,000 people. While a large number of these deaths are suicides, the overall gun death rate remains significant.
1. Wyoming
Guns Per Capita: 245.8
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 20.4
Despite being the least populated state in the United States, Wyoming tops the list as the state with the most guns per capita, with 245.8 firearms for every 1,000 residents. Known for its wide-open spaces, mountains, and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming is the 10th-largest state in the country. It remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
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