US States Ranked From 50 to 1 For Gun Ownership

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US States Ranked From 50 to 1 For Gun Ownership

The United States has a unique and varied landscape when it comes to gun ownership. With a national rate of 120.5 firearms per 100 people, it far surpasses other nations. This list explores the states with the highest to the lowest rates of gun ownership, reflecting the complex interplay of culture, legislation, and personal safety concerns across different regions.

50. New Jersey – 8.9%

New Jersey has the lowest gun ownership rate in the U.S. at 8.9%, with a registered gun rate of only 1.1 per 1,000 people. The state’s stringent gun laws and dense urban population contribute to this low rate, reflecting a broader preference for more regulated firearm access.

49. Hawaii – 9.1%

Hawaii follows closely with a gun ownership rate of 9.1%. Its geographic isolation and strict gun control laws help maintain low firearm possession rates. The registered gun rate here is 6.4 per 1,000, aligning with the state’s emphasis on public safety.

48. Massachusetts – 9.9%

Massachusetts, known for its stringent gun laws, has a gun ownership rate of 9.9%. With a registered gun rate of 6.5 per 1,000 and a low gun death rate of 3.7 per 100,000, the state shows a strong commitment to controlling firearm access and enhancing public safety.

47. Rhode Island – 13.9%

Rhode Island has a gun ownership rate of 13.9%, with a registered gun rate of 4.5 per 1,000. Its compact urban environments and tight gun control measures contribute to lower ownership rates and a low gun death rate of 5.1 per 100,000.

46. New York – 14.5%

New York’s gun ownership rate stands at 14.5%. With strict gun laws, particularly in NYC, the state maintains a low registered gun rate of 4.6 per 1,000 and a gun death rate of 5.3 per 100,000, emphasizing its focus on stringent regulatory measures and public safety.

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45. California – 16.3%

California has a gun ownership rate of 16.3%. Known for its progressive policies and strong gun control laws, the state has a registered gun rate of 10.4 per 1,000 and a relatively low gun death rate of 8.5 per 100,000, reflecting its proactive approach to firearm regulation.

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44. Maryland – 16.7%

Maryland’s gun ownership rate is 16.7%, with a registered gun rate of 22.1 per 1,000. The state’s robust gun laws help keep the gun death rate at 13.5 per 100,000, highlighting its efforts to balance personal freedoms with public health concerns.

43. Connecticut – 18.8%

Connecticut has a gun ownership rate of 18.8% and a registered gun rate of 20.8 per 1,000. Following significant local tragedies, the state has implemented some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, achieving a very low gun death rate of 6 per 100,000.

42. Illinois – 22.6%

In Illinois, 22.6% of households own guns. Despite Chicago’s high-profile gun violence issues, statewide measures keep the registered gun rate at 11.4 per 1,000 and the gun death rate at 14.1 per 100,000, underscoring the complex interplay between urban crime and statewide regulations.

41. Florida – 28.8%

Florida has a higher gun ownership rate at 28.8%, with a registered gun rate of 23.8 per 1,000. This state’s diverse urban and rural composition and its moderate gun laws result in a gun death rate of 13.7 per 100,000, reflecting varied attitudes towards gun ownership across its population.

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40. Washington – 32.1%

Washington state shows a gun ownership rate of 32.1%, with a notably low registered gun rate of 1.2 per 1,000, one of the lowest in the country. Despite more liberal gun laws than some states with lower ownership rates, its comprehensive safety measures help maintain a lower gun death rate of 10.9 per 100,000.

39. Nevada – 32.9%

Nevada has a gun ownership rate of 32.9% and a registered gun rate of 37.9 per 1,000. Its mix of urban centers like Las Vegas and vast rural areas contribute to a higher need for personal firearms, resulting in a gun death rate of 17 per 100,000.

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38. Virginia – 35.3%

In Virginia, 35.3% of households own firearms, supported by a registered gun rate of 49 per 1,000. This state blends urban and rural perspectives, which reflects in its moderate gun death rate of 13.4 per 100,000, showcasing a balanced approach to gun ownership and control.

37. Texas – 35.5%

Texas, known for its strong gun culture, has a gun ownership rate of 35.5% and a high registered gun rate of 34.1 per 1,000. Despite this, Texas maintains a relatively moderate gun death rate of 14.2 per 100,000, indicative of its vast, diverse population and varied attitudes toward gun usage.

36. New Mexico – 35.9%

New Mexico has a gun ownership rate of 35.9% with a significant registered gun rate of 58.1 per 1,000, one of the highest. Its unique blend of cultural heritage and rural landscapes contribute to a higher gun death rate of 22.7 per 100,000, reflecting the complexities of firearm regulation in the state.

35. Arizona – 36.4%

Arizona features a gun ownership rate of 36.4% and a registered gun rate of 35.6 per 1,000. As a state with relatively lenient gun laws, it shows a moderate gun death rate of 16.7 per 100,000. The state’s strong emphasis on personal freedom is evident in its gun ownership statistics.

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34. North Carolina – 37.1%

North Carolina, with a gun ownership rate of 37.1% and a registered gun rate of 21.1 per 1,000, showcases a balance between urban and rural gun ownership. The gun death rate here stands at 16 per 100,000, reflecting varied uses of firearms across the state.

33. Georgia – 37.7%

Georgia’s gun ownership rate is 37.7%, with a relatively high registered gun rate of 28.2 per 1,000. This state combines strong traditions of hunting and sport shooting with urban areas that have different views on gun control, resulting in a gun death rate of 17.7 per 100,000.

32. Colorado – 37.9%

Colorado has a gun ownership rate of 37.9%, with a registered gun rate of 25.7 per 1,000. The state’s outdoor culture contributes to higher gun ownership, while strong safety measures help keep the gun death rate to a reasonable 15.4 per 100,000.

31. Iowa – 38.5%

Iowa presents a gun ownership rate of 38.5% and a registered gun rate of 17 per 1,000. This Midwestern state has a robust hunting culture which influences its moderate gun ownership rate, with a relatively low gun death rate of 11.2 per 100,000, showcasing responsible gun ownership practices.

30. Delaware – 38.7%

Delaware’s gun ownership rate of 38.7% and a registered gun rate of 6.1 per 1,000 reflect a moderate stance towards firearms. Despite its small size and urban population, Delaware maintains a balanced approach to gun laws, leading to a gun death rate of 14.4 per 100,000, which is relatively low compared to states with similar ownership levels.

29. Michigan – 38.9%

Michigan has a gun ownership rate of 38.9% with a registered gun rate of 10.9 per 1,000. The state’s mix of urban areas like Detroit alongside vast rural regions contributes to this rate. Michigan’s gun death rate stands at 14.6 per 100,000, highlighting the diverse applications and cultural significance of firearms across the state.

28. Minnesota – 39.1%

In Minnesota, 39.1% of households own guns, supported by a registered gun rate of 22.7 per 1,000. The state’s strong hunting culture in its rural areas complements its urban settings, maintaining a low gun death rate of 8.9 per 100,000, one of the lower rates for states with high gun ownership.

27. Nebraska – 39.2%

Nebraska features a gun ownership rate of 39.2% with a registered gun rate of 22 per 1,000. This largely rural state has a robust hunting and sport shooting tradition, contributing to a relatively low gun death rate of 10.1 per 100,000, emphasizing a community that values responsible gun ownership.

26. Utah – 39.7%

Utah’s gun ownership rate is 39.7%, with a notably low registered gun rate of 3.4 per 1,000. The state’s strong family-oriented and outdoor recreational culture supports its higher gun ownership, while effective safety measures help keep the gun death rate to 13.6 per 100,000.

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25. Pennsylvania – 40.2%

Pennsylvania has a gun ownership rate of 40.2% and a registered gun rate of 26.9 per 1,000. The state balances its rich historical ties to hunting and firearms with urban centers that have stricter gun controls, resulting in a moderate gun death rate of 13.6 per 100,000.

24. Oregon – 41.4%

Oregon, with a gun ownership rate of 41.4% and a registered gun rate of 23 per 1,000, reflects its strong tradition of outdoor activities including hunting and fishing. Despite its liberal gun laws, Oregon maintains a lower gun death rate of 13 per 100,000, aided by proactive public health approaches to gun safety.

23. Ohio – 41.9%

Ohio has a gun ownership rate of 41.9% and a registered gun rate of 17.7 per 1,000. The state’s blend of rural areas where hunting is popular, alongside large urban centers, results in a gun death rate of 15.2 per 100,000, illustrating a complex interaction between different community needs and gun legislation.

22. Kansas – 42.3%

Kansas shows a gun ownership rate of 42.3% with a registered gun rate of 23.8 per 1,000. Known for its rural landscapes and a strong hunting culture, Kansas maintains a gun death rate of 16.9 per 100,000. The state values traditional rights to bear arms while also promoting responsible usage.

21. Indiana – 42.4%

Indiana’s gun ownership rate is 42.4%, accompanied by a registered gun rate of 23.1 per 1,000. The state’s balance between its rural areas, where gun ownership is a way of life, and its urban centers contributes to a gun death rate of 17.3 per 100,000, showcasing the varied perspectives on gun ownership within the state.

20. South Carolina – 45.5%

South Carolina, with a gun ownership rate of 45.5% and a registered gun rate of 23 per 1,000, showcases a strong cultural affinity for firearms. This state’s blend of rural traditions and urban growth influences its higher gun death rate of 22 per 100,000, reflecting ongoing discussions about gun regulation and safety.

19. New Hampshire – 46.3%

New Hampshire has a gun ownership rate of 46.3% and a high registered gun rate of 52.1 per 1,000, which is notable given its lower gun death rate of 8.9 per 100,000. The state is known for its strong libertarian values and minimal restrictions on gun ownership. New Hampshire’s culture promotes personal freedom and responsibility, making gun ownership a respected element of life. The state’s effective safety education and community standards contribute to its relatively low incidence of gun-related fatalities.

18. Tennessee – 46.9%

Tennessee’s gun ownership rate is 46.9%, and it has a registered gun rate of 21.7 per 1,000. Known for its deep-rooted musical heritage and outdoor traditions, Tennessee sees a relatively high gun death rate of 21.3 per 100,000. Firearms are a significant part of the cultural landscape here, used for both hunting and personal protection.

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17. Wisconsin – 47.1%

In Wisconsin, 47.1% of households own guns, with a registered gun rate of 16.3 per 1,000. The state’s robust hunting culture in its northern and rural areas plays a significant role, contributing to a lower gun death rate of 12.2 per 100,000. Wisconsin exemplifies a state where gun ownership is largely linked to recreational use.

16. Maine – 47.7%

Maine, with a gun ownership rate of 47.7% and a registered gun rate of 15.6 per 1,000, is characterized by its vast wilderness areas which are popular for hunting and outdoor activities. Despite high ownership, Maine maintains one of the lowest gun death rates at 10.4 per 100,000, highlighting responsible gun practices and safety education.

15. Vermont – 50.3%

Vermont shows a unique stance with a gun ownership rate of 50.3% and a registered gun rate of 14.6 per 1,000. Despite this high rate, Vermont has a remarkably low gun death rate of 11.6 per 100,000. The state’s liberal gun laws combined with a strong culture of safety and community accountability contribute to this outcome.

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14. Arkansas – 51.8%

Arkansas, where 51.8% of households own firearms and the registered gun rate is 44.3 per 1,000, maintains a gun death rate of 22.6 per 100,000. The state’s strong hunting and fishing traditions underscore the prevalence of firearms as a part of daily life, especially in rural communities.

13. Louisiana – 52.3%

Louisiana’s gun ownership rate is 52.3%, with a registered gun rate of 32.9 per 1,000. It experiences a high gun death rate of 26.3 per 100,000, influenced by both cultural norms and socioeconomic factors. Firearms are deeply embedded in the local lifestyle, particularly for protection and recreation.

12. Kentucky – 52.5%

In Kentucky, 52.5% of households own guns, with a registered gun rate of 24.1 per 1,000. Kentucky’s notable gun culture is tied to its history of hunting and sport shooting, contributing to a gun death rate of 20.1 per 100,000. The state values its heritage of firearm use, balancing it with community safety efforts.

11. Missouri – 52.8%

Missouri ties with a gun ownership rate of 52.8% and a relatively low registered gun rate of 18.4 per 1,000. The state’s moderate gun death rate of 23.9 per 100,000 reflects a balance between urban challenges and rural traditions where firearms play a significant role in lifestyle and personal security.

10. Alabama – 52.8%

Alabama also shows a gun ownership rate of 52.8%, with a registered gun rate of 38.7 per 1,000. Known for its strong hunting culture and as a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights, Alabama has a gun death rate of 23.6 per 100,000, illustrating the pervasive role of firearms in many aspects of life in the state.

9. North Dakota – 53.3%

North Dakota features a gun ownership rate of 53.3% and a registered gun rate of 40 per 1,000. The state’s rural expanse and low population density contribute to a lower gun death rate of 13.8 per 100,000. Here, firearms are integral to the lifestyle, commonly used for hunting and personal protection in remote areas, reflecting a practical approach to gun ownership.

8. Mississippi – 54.1%

Mississippi has a gun ownership rate of 54.1% and a registered gun rate of 27.4 per 1,000. It has the highest gun death rate on this list at 28.6 per 100,000, highlighting significant challenges related to firearm safety and regulation. The state’s deep cultural ties to hunting and the widespread acceptance of guns as part of daily life play a substantial role in these statistics.

7. Oklahoma – 54.9%

Oklahoma’s gun ownership rate stands at 54.9%, with a registered gun rate of 25.9 per 1,000. With a gun death rate of 20.7 per 100,000, the state reflects a strong tradition of firearm use for both protection and sport. The prevalence of firearms is seen as a natural part of life in many rural and urban communities alike.

6. South Dakota – 55.6%

South Dakota has a gun ownership rate of 55.6% and a registered gun rate of 72.2 per 1,000. The state’s gun death rate is relatively low at 13.6 per 100,000, due in part to a strong culture of hunting and responsible gun ownership. The rural lifestyle and community values significantly influence attitudes toward firearms here.

5. Alaska – 57.2%

In Alaska, where the environment demands rugged self-sufficiency, the gun ownership rate is 57.2% with a registered gun rate of 38.5 per 1,000. The gun death rate is relatively high at 23.5 per 100,000, reflecting the unique challenges of accessibility, wildlife, and isolation that contribute to the necessity of gun ownership for safety and sustenance.

4. Idaho – 57.8%

Idaho has a gun ownership rate of 57.8% and a registered gun rate of 40.2 per 1,000. With a gun death rate of 17.6 per 100,000, the state embodies a strong tradition of hunting and outdoor recreational activities that promote widespread gun ownership. Firearms are commonly seen as essential tools for life in much of Idaho’s expansive and often remote terrain.

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3. West Virginia – 60.6%

West Virginia, with a gun ownership rate of 60.6% and a registered gun rate of 92.8 per 1,000, has a gun death rate of 18.1 per 100,000. The state’s rich history in hunting and shooting sports underscores a deep cultural connection to firearms, which are widely regarded as part of the heritage and daily life.

2. Wyoming – 60.7%

Wyoming’s gun ownership rate is 60.7%, the highest registered gun rate at 245.8 per 1,000, and a gun death rate of 25.9 per 100,000. The state’s vast landscapes and low population density facilitate a lifestyle where gun ownership is often essential for wildlife management, protection, and recreation, making it deeply ingrained in the local culture.

1. Montana – 65.7%

Montana tops the rankings with the highest gun ownership rate of 65.7% and a registered gun rate of 33.2 per 1,000. The gun death rate here is 20.9 per 100,000. Montana’s extensive rural areas and a strong culture of hunting and self-reliance foster a high prevalence of firearm ownership, viewed as a necessary and respected part of life in the state.

Read more about this study on WiseVoter.

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