Gun Ownership by State

The gun ownership rate in Alabama is 52.8%, making it the tenth state with the highest gun ownership rate. In addition, there are 38.7 guns per 1,000 people, making Alabama one of the states with the most guns per capita. The state has a strong hunting and shooting sports culture, and firearms are viewed as essential tools for these activities. Alabama also has a history of political conservatism and resistance to government regulation, including of firearms.

The gun ownership rate in Alaska is 57.2%, making it the fifth state with the highest gun ownership rate in the US. In addition, there are 38.5 guns per 1,000 people, making Alaska one of the states with the most guns per capita. Alaska's remoteness and harsh climate make it a place where self-sufficiency is highly valued, and many Alaskans own guns for hunting and self-defense. The state's rugged terrain and abundance of wildlife also contribute to a strong hunting culture.

The gun ownership rate in Arizona is 36.4%, ranking the state thirty-fifth in terms of gun ownership rate. This percentage has dropped significantly since 1980. Laws restricting firearms remain scarce and unchanged, though. Limits on firearm ownership and use largely instead come from federal law. Persons over 21 who can otherwise possess firearms may carry those arms concealed without a permit.

The gun ownership rate in Arkansas is 51.8%, making it the fourteenth state with the highest gun ownership rate in the US. In addition, there are 44.3 guns per 1,000 people, making Arkansas one of the states with the most guns per capita. Arkansas has a long history of hunting and shooting sports, with hunting being a significant part of the state's culture and economy. The state's gun laws are relatively permissive, with no permit required for open or concealed carry. Additionally, the state has a strong tradition of gun ownership and Second Amendment advocacy, which contribute to the high rate of gun ownership.

The gun ownership rate in California is 16.3%, ranking the state forty-fifth in terms of gun ownership rate. The state's strict gun control laws, including a ban on assault weapons, limits on magazine capacity, and background checks for all firearm purchases, have contributed to a lower gun ownership rate than other states.

The gun ownership rate in Colorado is 37.9%, ranking the state thirty-second in terms of gun ownership rates. Those carrying concealed firearms must hold permits, obtainable after showing competence or training coursework with firearms.

The gun ownership rate in Connecticut is 18.8%, ranking the state forty-three in terms of gun ownership rate. In addition, there are 20.8 guns per 1,000 people in Connecticut, which is relatively low compared to other states. Connecticut has relatively strict gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, as well as a permit requirement for handgun purchases. The state also has a history of gun manufacturing, which may contribute to a higher number of firearms being available for purchase and ownership.

The gun ownership rate in Delaware is 38.7%, making it the thirtieth state with the highest gun ownership rate. Concealed firearms require a permit that is issued at the state actor’s discretion. Assault weapons and armor-piercing ammunition are forbidden.

The gun ownership rate in Florida is 28.8%, ranking the state forty-first in terms of gun ownership rate. In addition, there are 23.8 guns per 1,000 people in Florida, which is relatively low compared to other states. Florida has relatively permissive gun laws, including the ability to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit, and relatively few restrictions on the sale and possession of firearms. The state also has a large number of retirees and a strong tourism industry, which may lead to a higher number of firearms being brought into the state by visitors.

The gun ownership rate in Georgia is 37.7%, ranking the state thirty-third in terms of gun ownership rate. Georgia puts few limits on firearm or ammunition possession, allowing open and concealed carry without a permit. Federal regulations are voiced in the State code, but localities in Georgia are forbidden from enacting stronger restrictions than State law provides.

The gun ownership rate in Hawaii is 9.1%, ranking the state forty-ninth in terms of gun ownership rate. The state has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, such as requiring a permit to purchase a firearm, limiting the types of firearms that can be purchased, and requiring background checks for all firearm purchases.

The gun ownership rate in Idaho is 57.8%, making it the fourth state with the highest gun ownership rate. In addition, there are 40.2 guns per 1,000 people, making Idaho one of the states with the most guns per capita. The state has a large rural population, and hunting and shooting sports are popular activities. Idaho also has a libertarian streak, with many residents opposed to government regulation of firearms.

The gun ownership rate in Illinois is 22.6%, ranking the state forty-second in terms of gun ownership rate. In addition, there are 11.4 guns per 1,000 people in Illinois, which is relatively low compared to other states. Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, including a requirement for a Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card to purchase or possess firearms and a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. These strict laws may contribute to the state's relatively low gun ownership rate.

The gun ownership rate in Indiana is 40%, making it the twenty-first state with the highest gun ownership rate in the US. Yet, there are 23.1 guns per 1,000 people in Indiana, which is relatively low compared to other states. Indiana has relatively permissive gun laws, including the ability to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit, and relatively few restrictions on the sale and possession of firearms. Additionally, the state has a strong hunting and sporting culture, and many residents own guns for these purposes.

The gun ownership rate in Iowa is 38.5%, ranking the state thirty-seventh in terms of gun ownership rate. Concealed carry permits are no longer required, even within city limits, as of July 2021. Iowa does require that firearms be secured from access by minors under 14. State law generally prohibits firearm possession by anyone convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor.

The gun ownership rate in Kansas is 42.3%, making it the twenty-second state with the highest gun ownership rate. The state's high rate of gun ownership is due in part to its strong hunting culture, with many residents owning guns for hunting and recreational shooting. Additionally, Kansas has relatively permissive gun laws, which may also contribute to the high gun ownership rate. The state allows residents to carry concealed firearms with a permit and does not require background checks for private gun sales.

Kentucky has a gun ownership rate of 52.5% and 24.1 guns per 1,000 people, making it one of the states with the highest number of guns per capita. Kentucky has a long history of hunting and shooting sports, with hunting being a significant part of the state's culture and economy. The state's gun laws are relatively permissive, with no permit required for open or concealed carry, although a permit is necessary to carry a concealed weapon in some locations. The state's history of gun ownership and Second Amendment advocacy also contribute to the high rate of gun ownership.

Louisiana has a gun ownership rate of 52.3% and 32.9 guns per 1,000 people, making it the thirteenth state with the highest gun ownership rate. Louisiana has a strong hunting and fishing culture, with more than 900,000 licensed hunters and anglers. Additionally, the state has relatively permissive gun laws, including a constitutional carry law, which allows residents to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Louisiana also has a history of supporting gun ownership and Second Amendment rights, which contribute to the high rate of gun ownership.

The gun ownership rate in Maine is 47.7%, making it the sixteenth state with the highest gun ownership rate. However, there are 15.6 guns per 1,000 people in Maine, which is relatively low compared to other states. One of the reasons for this could be the strict gun laws in the state, which include background checks for private sales and transfers, as well as a permit requirement for concealed carry. Additionally, Maine has a strong hunting culture, and many Mainers who own guns do so for hunting purposes.

In Maryland, the gun ownership rate is 16.70% and there are 22.1 guns per 1,000 people. The state's gun control laws are some of the strictest in the country, including a ban on certain types of firearms, such as assault weapons, and a requirement for background checks on all gun sales. However, the state's proximity to other states with more permissive gun laws may contribute to the relatively high number of guns per capita. Additionally, the state has a history of high crime rates in certain areas, which may lead some residents to feel that they need to own firearms for protection.

The gun ownership rate in Massachusetts is 9.9%, ranking the state forty-eighth in terms of gun ownership rate. The state has strict gun control laws, such as a ban on assault weapons, background checks for all firearm purchases, and limits on magazine capacity.

The gun ownership rate in Michigan is 38.9%, ranking the state twenty-ninth in terms of gun ownership rate. Michigan does not bar assault weapons. Armor-piercing ammunition is specifically banned. Persons wanting to carry concealed firearms must complete a safety course to obtain a permit, that “shall issue” if all other conditions are met.

The gun ownership rate in Minnesota is 39.1%, ranking the state twenty-eighth in terms of gun ownership. The state's low gun ownership rate can be attributed to its strong gun control laws, which include background checks for all gun sales, permit-to-purchase requirements for handguns, and a ban on assault weapons. Additionally, the state has a low crime rate, which may also contribute to its low gun ownership rate.

Mississippi has a gun ownership rate of 54.1% and 27.4 guns per 1,000 people, making it the eighth state with the highest gun ownership rate. The state has a strong hunting and fishing culture, and firearms are viewed as essential tools for these activities. Mississippi also has a history of political conservatism and resistance to government regulation of firearms.

Missouri has a gun ownership rate of 52.8% and 18.4 guns per 1,000 people, making it the eleventh state with the highest gun ownership rate. The state's rich hunting culture, with over 1.2 million deer and turkey hunters, is a significant factor contributing to its high gun ownership rate. Missouri also has relatively permissive gun laws, including constitutional carry laws, which allow residents to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. Additionally, the state has a strong tradition of gun ownership and Second Amendment advocacy.

The gun ownership rate in Montana is 65.7%, making it the state with the highest gun ownership rate. In addition, there are 33.2 guns per 1,000 people in Montana, which is one of the states with the most guns per capita. Montana has a high rate of gun ownership and a culture of hunting and shooting sports. The state's vast rural areas and sparse population also contribute to the high number of guns per capita, as firearms are often seen as a means of self-defense and protection against wildlife.

Nebraska has a gun ownership rate of 39.2% and 22 guns per 1,000 people. The state has a long tradition of hunting and sports shooting, which likely contributes to the high rate of gun ownership. In addition, Nebraska is a rural state with a low population density, which may lead to residents feeling a need to have firearms for protection. Nebraska is also known for having relatively permissive gun laws, which may contribute to a higher number of guns per capita.

Nevada has a gun ownership rate of 32.9% and 37.9 guns per 1,000 people. This relatively high gun ownership rate can be attributed to the state's permissive gun laws, as well as its reputation as a state that values individual liberties and personal responsibility. The state has a relatively low population density and a culture that values hunting, shooting sports, and self-defense. Additionally, Nevada is home to a number of large cities with high crime rates, which may lead residents to feel the need to own firearms for protection.

The gun ownership rate in New Hampshire is 46.3%, making it the nineteenth state with the highest gun ownership rate. Moreover, there are 52.1 guns per 1,000 people in New Hampshire, which is one of the highest rates in the country. The state has a history of strong gun rights and relatively permissive gun laws, including the ability to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit, and relatively few restrictions on the sale and possession of firearms. The state also has a strong hunting and sporting culture, and many residents own guns for these purposes.

The gun ownership rate in New Jersey is 8.9%, making it the fiftieth state with the highest gun ownership rate. The state has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, such as requiring a permit to purchase a firearm, limiting the types of firearms that can be purchased, and requiring background checks for all firearm purchases.

There is a gun ownership rate of 35.90% in New Mexico, with 58.1 guns per 1,000 people, making it one of the states with the highest gun ownership rates in the United States. New Mexico has a strong hunting culture and a history of gun ownership for self-defense, which helps explain the high gun ownership rate. Additionally, New Mexico has relatively loose gun laws, with no restrictions on the sale of assault weapons and no waiting period for gun purchases.

New York has a gun ownership rate of 14.50%, with 4.6 guns per 1,000 people, making it one of the states with the lowest gun ownership rates and lowest guns per capita in the United States. New York has strict gun laws, including a ban on assault weapons and a requirement for a license to own a handgun. These laws help explain the low gun ownership rate in the state, as well as its low gun death rate.

The gun ownership rate in North Carolina is 37.10%, with 21.1 guns per 1,000 people. The state has a long history of gun ownership, with hunting and recreational shooting being popular pastimes. Additionally, North Carolina has relatively lenient gun laws compared to some other states, with no waiting period for gun purchases and few restrictions on the sale of firearms.

North Dakota has a gun ownership rate of 53.3% and 40 guns per 1,000 people, making it the ninth state with the highest gun ownership rate. The state has a strong hunting and outdoor recreation culture, and firearms are seen as essential tools for these activities. North Dakota also has a low population density, which allows for more gun ownership per person.

There is a gun ownership rate of 41.90% in Ohio, with 17.7 guns per 1,000 people, making it the twenty-third state with the highest gun ownership rate. Ohio has a strong tradition of hunting and recreational shooting and also allows concealed carry of firearms with a permit. Additionally, Ohio has relatively few restrictions on the sale of firearms, including no waiting period for gun purchases and no limit on the number of firearms that can be purchased at one time.

Oklahoma has a gun ownership rate of 54.9% and 25.9 guns per 1,000 people, making it the seventh state with the highest gun ownership rate. The state has a strong tradition of hunting and shooting sports, and firearms are seen as essential tools for ranching and farming. Oklahoma also has a history of political conservatism and resistance to government regulation, including of firearms.

Oregon has a gun ownership rate of 41.4% and 23 guns per capita, making it the twenty-fourth state with the highest gun ownership rate. Oregon is known for its liberal policies, and its gun laws are relatively lenient. However, there is a high rate of gun ownership in the state due to a strong hunting culture and the popularity of recreational shooting activities.

Pennsylvania has a gun ownership rate of 40.2% and 26.9 guns per capita, making it the twenty-fifth state with the highest gun ownership rate. Pennsylvania is a state with a long tradition of hunting and firearms ownership. The state has relatively liberal gun laws, and there is a strong pro-gun culture among many of its residents.

The gun ownership rate in Rhode Island is 13.9%, ranking the state forty-seventh in terms of gun ownership rate. The state has strict gun laws, such as requiring a permit to purchase a firearm, and prohibits certain types of weapons, including assault weapons.

The gun ownership rate in South Carolina is 45.5%, making it the twentieth state with the highest gun ownership rate. Yet, there are 23 guns per 1,000 people in South Carolina, which is relatively low compared to other states. South Carolina has relatively permissive gun laws, including the ability to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit, and relatively few restrictions on the sale and possession of firearms. Additionally, the state has a history of strong hunting and sporting traditions, and many residents own guns for these purposes.

South Dakota has a gun ownership rate of 55.6% and 72.2 guns per 1,000 people, making it the sixth state with the highest gun ownership rate. The state has a strong hunting and ranching culture, and firearms are seen as essential tools for both activities. South Dakota also has a relatively low population density, which allows for more gun ownership per person.

The gun ownership rate in Tennessee is 46.9%, making it the eighteenth state with the highest gun ownership rate. In addition, there are 21.7 guns per 1,000 people in Tennessee, which is higher than the national average. Tennessee has relatively permissive gun laws, including the ability to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit, and relatively few restrictions on the sale and possession of firearms. The state also has a strong hunting and sporting culture, and many Tennesseans own guns for these purposes.

The gun ownership rate in Texas is 35.5%, ranking the state thirty-seventh in terms of gun ownership rate. Texas is also one of the states with the highest number of guns per capita, with 34.1 guns per 1,000 people. The state has a long tradition of gun ownership and is home to many gun manufacturers. In recent years, there have been efforts to expand gun rights in the state, including the passage of a law allowing licensed gun owners to carry handguns in public without a permit.

The gun ownership rate in Utah is 39.7%, ranking the state twenty-sixth in terms of gun ownership rate. Utah restricts who can possess firearms, and requires police to remove weapons involved in domestic violence calls. Otherwise little firearm regulation exists in Utah, including authority for any otherwise allowed adult to carry concealed firearms without a permit.

Vermont has a gun ownership rate of 50.3% and 14.6 guns per 1,000 people, making it the fifteenth state with the highest gun ownership rate. Vermont has a strong hunting and fishing culture, with hunting being a significant part of the state's culture and economy. The state's gun laws are relatively permissive, with no permit required for open or concealed carry. Additionally, Vermont has a history of supporting gun ownership and Second Amendment rights, which contribute to the high rate of gun ownership.

Virginia has a gun ownership rate of 35.3% and 49 guns per capita. Virginia is a state with a strong history of gun ownership and a significant hunting culture. The state's gun laws are relatively lenient, and there has been a push in recent years to expand gun rights. However, the state has also been the site of several high-profile mass shootings, which have spurred some efforts to tighten gun laws.

Washington has a gun ownership rate of 32.1% and 1.2 guns per capita. Washington has some of the strictest gun laws in the country, including requirements for background checks on all gun sales, regardless of whether they are conducted by licensed dealers or private sellers. As a result, the state has one of the lowest number of guns per capita in the country. Despite these laws, Washington is still home to a significant number of gun owners, many of whom participate in hunting and shooting sports.

The gun ownership rate in West Virginia is 60.6%, making it the third state with the highest gun ownership rate. West Virginia has 92.8 guns per 1,000 people, making it the second state with the most guns per capita in the US. The state has a strong hunting and outdoor recreation culture, and firearms are seen as a way of life. West Virginia also has a long history of coal mining and labor movements, which have created a tradition of self-reliance and resistance to authority, including government regulation of firearms.

The gun ownership rate in Wisconsin is 47.1%, making it the seventeenth state with the highest gun ownership rate. However, there are 16.3 guns per 1,000 people in Wisconsin, which is relatively low compared to other states. Wisconsin has a history of strong hunting traditions, and many people in the state own guns for hunting and sporting purposes. The state also has relatively strict gun laws, including a waiting period for firearm purchases and background check requirements for private sales and transfers.

The gun ownership rate in Wyoming is 60.7%, making it the second state with the highest gun ownership rate. Moreover, Wyoming has 245.8 guns per 1,000 people, the highest number of guns per capita in the country. This is due in part to the state's history of frontier living and hunting, as well as a strong political and cultural support for gun ownership. Wyoming also has a low population density, which allows for more gun ownership per person.