Gun Ownership by State

The gun ownership rate in Alabama is 52.8%, ranking the state tenth in terms of gun ownership rate in the country. Part of the traditionally well-armed southern bloc, Alabama puts few limits on firearm sales or possession beyond those required by federal law. Certain “armor-piercing” ammunition is forbidden, but large-caliber weapons and large-scale purchases pass muster. Persons can also carry concealed firearms in Alabama without a permit.

The gun ownership rate in Alaska is 57.2%, ranking the state fifth in terms of gun ownership rate. Alaska’s distantly-spread human population and seemingly boundless natural resources draws hunters both local, for subsistence, and tourists for bragging rights. Few regulations beyond mandatory federal limits impede firearm ownership and use in Alaska.

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%, ranking the state fourteenth in terms of gun ownership rate. Permits are required to carry concealed firearms, but authorities “shall issue” those permits to any applicant who meets written criteria. No limits exist on bulk sales, and other regulation is generally only as federal law requires.

The gun ownership rate in California is 16.3%, ranking the state forty-fifth in terms of gun ownership rate. Open carry, common elsewhere, is forbidden without appropriate permitting. Only permit holders can legally carry concealed firearms. New California laws in 2022 further tightened restrictions on manufacturing, marketing, and professionalism involving firearms. “Ghost” guns, homemade weapons built with unregulated parts from 3-D printers or other means, became subject to specific regulation.

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. No permit is necessary to carry weapons in home or business, but any public carriage, open or concealed, requires a permit. Permits are also required for ammunition or magazine purchases. Assault rifles and certain types of ammunition are banned.

The gun ownership rate in Delaware is 38.7%, ranking the state thirtieth in terms of 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. Florida follows federal restrictions, but does not add much additional burden to firearms ownership. Only permit holders may lawfully carry concealed weapons, but authorities “shall issue” those permits to anyone who meets written standards.

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. This follows from strong restrictions on firearm and ammunition possession that exceed those demanded under federal law. Concealed weapons are forbidden without a permit. Firearms must be secured from minors’ possession, though minors may possess and use some weapons under conditions.

The gun ownership rate in Idaho is 57.8%, ranking the state fourth in terms of gun ownership rate. In Idaho federal law more stringently regulates firearms than the State. Fairly much anything is okay for adults among the 1.9 million Idahoans, and minors (under 16) largely get free rein under supervision (subject to federal limits as to firearms and ammunition).

The gun ownership rate in Illinois is 22.6%, ranking the state forty-second in terms of gun ownership rate. With over one-sixth of Illinois’ 12 million residents living in Chicago, State firearms law often reflects the needs and necessities of Chicago’s crime-fighting. Thus, residents require a State Police issues “Firearm Owner’s Identification” card to lawfully possess any firearm or ammunition in Illinois.

The gun ownership rate in Indiana is 40%, ranking the state twenty-first in terms of gun ownership rate. Indiana is a relatively permissive State for firearm possession and ownership, with federal law typically driving regulations. No permit is necessary to carry concealed firearms, and only armor-piercing ammunition is limited.

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%, ranking the state twenty-second in terms of gun owneship rate. Besides plastic-coated bullets, ammunition is allowed in Kansas. Concealed carry laws were amended in 2015 to eliminate permitting requirements for persons over age 21, though those under 21 can conceal weapons on their own property. Permits are still available for interstate reciprocity purposes.

The gun ownership rate in Kentucky is 52.5%, ranking the state twelve in terms of gun ownership rate. Still a largely rural State, Kentucky allows open carry and, in 2019, removed permit requirements for anyone over 21 carrying concealed firearms. Few other State restrictions limit firearms, while federal law offers more stringent restrictions than Kentucky against domestic violence offenders possessing firearms.

The gun ownership rate in Louisiana is 52.3%, ranking the state thirteenth in terms of gun ownership rate. Louisiana bans armor-piercing ammunition, but otherwise leaves firearm regulation largely to federal authorities. No limit exists on bulk firearm or ammunition purchases. A permit is necessary to carry concealed firearms, but those permits “shall issue” to qualified applicants without official discretion.

The gun ownership rate in Maine is 47.7%, ranking the state sixteenth in terms of gun ownership rate. Largely rural and relatively sparsely populated, Maine puts few restrictions on its firearm owners.

The gun ownership rate in Maryland is 16.7%, ranking the state forty-fourth in terms of gun ownership rate. Like Illinois, partially-rural Maryland finds firearms policies tightened to battle violence in Baltimore City and its outlying counties. Assault-style firearms are barred, and .50 caliber weapons are regulated. Any carry of firearms, open or concealed, requires a permit after training, except when on the individual’s property or business.

The gun ownership rate in Massachusetts is 9.9%, ranking the state forty-eighth in terms of gun ownership rate. Either a “Firearm Identification Cards” or a “License to Carry” is required to possess in Massachusetts, and any public carry requires a permit after training and discretionary approval. Assault-style weapons are generally banned in Massachusetts.

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. Regulations generally track federal laws. Assault-style weapons are regulated specially, but not specifically banned. Carrying any concealable firearm in public spaces requires a permit and safety training, except for limited transportation circumstances or on one’s own property.

The gun ownership rate in Mississippi is 54.1%, ranking the state eighth in terms of gun ownership rate. Armor-piercing ammunition is forbidden, but otherwise residents who can lawfully possess firearms can also possess ammunition, and may do so without a permit. Carrying concealed firearms without permit was authorized in 2016. Concealed carry permits must still issue to qualified applicants, for reciprocity privileges in coordinating States.

The gun ownership rate in Missouri is 52.8%, ranking the state eleventh in terms of gun ownership rate. Explosive ammunition is forbidden, but few other purchasing limits exist beyond the federal floor. Adults not otherwise prohibited from possession may carry concealed firearms without a permit. Concealed carry permits are still available.

The gun ownership rate in Montana is 65.7%, ranking the state first in terms of gun ownership rate. Sparsely-populated Montana restricts little about firearms, meeting but not exceeding federal standards. No prohibitions exist against weapon or ammunition types. Requirements for permits to carry concealed weapons was lifted in February 2021, though permits after background checks shall still issue to those meeting criteria.

The gun ownership rate in Nebraska is 39.2%, ranking the state twenty-seventh in terms of gun ownership rate. Federal restrictions exceed most of Montana’s firearm requirements, though permits after training are still required to obtain concealed carry permits. Those permits “shall issue” to qualified applicants, within weeks of application.

The gun ownership rate in Nevada is 32.9%, ranking the state thirty-ninth in terms of gun ownership. Largely rural with population centers at Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada does not impose many regulations beyond the federal floor. Carrying concealed firearms requires a permit, but those permits must issue to qualified applicants.

The gun ownership rate in New Hampshire is 46.3%, ranking the state nineteenth in terms of gun ownership rate. Bucking national trends, ownership has risen since 2000. Rural New Hampshire limits firearm regulations, relying on the federal legislative floor for most enforcement language. Anyone may carry concealed firearms in New Hampshire without a permit.

The gun ownership rate in New Jersey is 8.9%, ranking the state fiftieth in terms of gun ownership rate. Firearm purchases require permits, and carrying firearms anywhere but one’s own property typically requires a permit that “may” issue, after meeting stringent training and other criteria. New Jersey prohibits both assault-style firearms and .50 caliber rifles.

The gun ownership rate is New Mexico is 35.9%, ranking the state thirty-sixth in terms of gun ownership rate. Persons carrying concealed weapons must have a permit, that “shall issue” to qualified applicants. State laws restrict ownership from convicted felons for ten years and, since 2019, for specific “domestic” violence offenses. Otherwise little regulation exists in New Mexico, not even pre-sale background checks as federal law requires.

The gun ownership rate in North Carolina is 37.1%, ranking the state thirty-fourth in terms of gun ownership rate. North Carolina follows federal leads on “prohibited persons,” but places few State restrictions on adult ownership of firearms. Concealed carry requires a permit, but it “shall issue” in due course.

The gun ownership rate in North Dakota is 53.3%, ranking the state ninth in terms of gun ownership rate. In North Dakota open carry, assault-style weapons, and .50 caliber rifles are permitted, while concealed firearms can be carried without a permit. State law prohibits specific classes of persons from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The gun ownership rate in Ohio is 41.9%, ranking the state twenty-third in terms of gun ownership rate. As of June 2022, 21-year-olds no longer need permits to carry concealed firearms. No restrictions exist on assault-style weapons, .50 caliber rifles, or ammunition. No “red flag” provisions for removing firearms from dangerous persons exist, though domestic violence orders include warnings about federal law.

The gun ownership rate in Oklahoma is 54.9%, ranking the state seventh in terms of gun ownership rate. Armor-piercing ammunition is forbidden, but otherwise anything within federal limits goes. Oklahoma repealed its carrying regulations, now allowing any adult to carry loaded firearms openly and concealed. No mechanism exists for disarming newly-prohibited persons.

The gun ownership rate in Oregon is 41.4%, ranking the state twenty-fourth in terms of gun ownership rate. Voters banned ammunition magazines holding more than ten rounds in November 2022, in Ballot Measure 114, and required transfer permits for all firearm transfers, even private hand-to-hand sales. No restrictions exist on assault-style rifles or ammunition, except armor-piercing rounds. Concealed firearms are permissible with a license.

The gun ownership rate in Pennsylvania is 40.2%, ranking the state twenty-fifth in terms of gun ownership rate. With farm and hunting wilderness filling the leagues between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s firearm ownership has steadied between 37-40% since 1999. No restrictions exist against assault-style rifles, but concealed firearms require a permit. A separate crime exists for possessing armor-piercing ammunition while committing violent crimes.

The gun ownership rate in Rhode Island is 13.9%, ranking the state forty-seventh in terms of gun ownership rate. Any public carry of firearms requires a permit, which include two paths through separate requirements. Assault weapons are not distinctly regulated. Certain domestic violence misdemeanors can make an offender a “prohibited person,” while a 2018 law allows law enforcement to seek protective orders against dangerous persons possessing firearms.

The gun ownership rate in South Carolina is 45.5%, ranking the state twentieth in terms of gun ownership rate. Legislation in 2012 repealed a melting point test, leaving no manufacturing or design regulations in place. Carry permits are required whether sidearms are carried concealed or openly. No limits exist on assault-style weapons or bulk sales, and only certain types of armor-piercing ammunition are forbidden. Certain domestic violence offenses and orders trigger “prohibited person” status.

The gun ownership rate in South Dakota is 55.6%, ranking the state sixth in terms of gun ownership rate. Few restrictions lie against owners in mostly rural South Dakota. Federal “prohibited person” limits are somewhat mimicked in State law, but otherwise little State control – including no requirements for background checks – applies. South Dakota’s legislature repealed concealed carry permitting requirements in 2019, so anyone may now carry concealed firearms. Permits are still available for reciprocity purposes.

The gun ownership rate in Tennessee is 46.9%, ranking the state eighteenth in terms of gun ownership rate. In Tennessee there are no restrictions against possession of assault-style weapons or .50 caliber rifles. Tennessee still requires permits of those carrying concealed firearms, though anyone may openly carry those weapons. Domestic violence misdemeanants forbidden from possession by federal law are also forbidden in Tennessee, but no law exists to disarm dangerous or prohibited persons.

The gun ownership rate in Texas is 35.5%, ranking the state thirty-seventh in terms of gun ownership rate. Its firearm-owning population faces few restrictions, however, with federal law prohibiting more persons from possession than State law. No limits exist on the numbers of firearms getting sold, assault-style weapons, .50 caliber rifles, or specific ammunition. Anyone over age 21 can carry a firearm, openly or concealed, 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.

The gun ownership rate in Vermont is 50.3%, ranking the state fifthteenth in terms of gun ownership rate. A 2018 law allows certain prosecutors to petition for removal of firearms from homes of dangerous persons. No law prevents authorized adults from carrying concealed firearms.

The gun ownership rate in Virginia is 35.3%, ranking the state thirty-eighth in terms of gun ownership rate. Some limits exist on assault-style weapons, but other restrictions focus on persons possessing firearms. Permits for concealed carry are required, and police or prosecutors may petition to remove firearms from dangerous persons’ homes.

The gun ownership rate in Washington is 32.1%, ranking the state fortieth in terms of gun ownership rate. Permit for ownership are not required, but permits are needed to carry concealed firearms. The state regulates possession and sales of assault-style weapons, and forbids a number of persons from possessing firearms – including those convicted of certain domestic offenses, or found not guilty for mental health reasons.

The gun ownership rate in West Virginia is 60.6%, ranking the state third in terms of gun ownership rate. “Wild, wonderful West Virginia” is the tourist slogan, but also an apt description of the state’s relative dearth of firearm regulation. Besides prohibiting certain classes of persons from possession, the state takes no interest in conducting background checks or tracking who possesses what firearms.

The gun ownership rate in Wisconsin is 47.1%, ranking the state seventeenth in terms of gun ownership rate. Those carrying concealed weapons require a permit, and persons under court restraining orders or mental health commitments cannot possess firearms. No limits exist on assault-style weapons or .50 caliber rifles.

The gun ownership rate in Wyoming is 60.7%, ranking the state second in terms of gun ownership rate. Any authorized adult may carry any weapon, openly or concealed. Those convicted of violent felonies or assaulting police are prohibited from possession, but anyone else can buy anything on the licit market, without any state requirements for pre-sale background checks.