School Shootings by State

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Introduction

The United States holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest number of school shootings in the world. When looking at school shootings by state, California tops the list with 206 incidents, followed closely by Texas with 165 and Florida with 113. These three states consistently rank among the highest in terms of the number of school shootings reported. Illinois and Michigan round out the top five with 104 and 82 incidents, respectively.

While school shootings can occur in any state, certain regional trends emerge. States with larger populations, such as California and Texas, naturally tend to have more incidents due to their sheer number of schools and students. Additionally, states with higher rates of gun ownership may experience a higher frequency of school shootings. It is essential to remember that school shootings are a complex issue with various contributing factors, including mental health, access to firearms, and social dynamics. Efforts to prevent school shootings involve a comprehensive approach that includes mental health support, gun control measures, and fostering safe and inclusive school environments.

School Shootings Statistics by State

#StateNumber of School ShootingsGun Ownership RatePopulationRed or Blue State
1California20616.3%39,237,836 Democrat
2Texas16535.5%29,527,941 Republican
3Florida11328.8%21,781,128 Swing State
4Illinois10422.6%12,671,469 Democrat
5Michigan8238.9%10,050,811 Swing State
6Ohio8041.9%11,780,017 Swing State
7Pennsylvania8040.2%12,964,056 Swing State
8New York7214.5%19,835,913 Democrat
9North Carolina6737.1%10,551,162 Swing State
10Georgia6437.7%10,799,566 Swing State
11Tennessee6446.9%6,975,218 Republican
12Maryland5616.7%6,165,129 Democrat
13Alabama5552.8%5,039,877 Republican
14Louisiana5452.3%4,624,047 Republican
15Missouri4652.8%6,168,187 Republican
16South Carolina4345.5%5,190,705 Republican
17Washington4332.1%7,738,692 Democrat
18Virginia4035.3%8,642,274 Democrat
19Indiana3742.4%6,805,985 Republican
20District of Columbia29670,050 Democrat
21Colorado2737.9%5,812,069 Democrat
22Arkansas2651.8%3,025,891 Republican
23Connecticut2318.8%3,605,597 Democrat
24Kentucky2352.5%4,509,394 Republican
25Mississippi2254.1%2,949,965 Republican
26New Jersey218.9%9,267,130 Democrat
27Oregon2141.4%4,246,155 Democrat
28Wisconsin2047.1%5,895,908 Swing State
29Minnesota1839.1%5,707,390 Swing State
30New Mexico1835.9%2,115,877 Democrat
31Oklahoma1854.9%3,986,639 Republican
32Arizona1736.4%7,276,316 Swing State
33Kansas1742.3%2,934,582 Republican
34Massachusetts169.9%6,984,723 Democrat
35Nevada1632.9%3,143,991 Swing State
36Utah1639.7%3,337,975 Republican
37Iowa1538.5%3,193,079 Republican
38Delaware1138.7%1,003,384 Democrat
39Nebraska1139.2%1,963,692 Republican
40Montana965.7%1,104,271 Republican
41New Hampshire746.3%1,388,992 Democrat
42Idaho657.8%1,900,923 Republican
43Rhode Island613.9%1,095,610 Democrat
44Alaska557.2%732,673 Republican
45Maine547.7%1,372,247 Democrat
46South Dakota555.6%895,376 Republican
47West Virginia460.6%1,782,959 Republican
48Hawaii39.1%1,441,553 Democrat
49Vermont350.3%645,570 Democrat
50North Dakota253.3%774,948 Republican
51Wyoming260.7%578,803 Republican

States With the Most School Shootings

The ten states with the most school shootings are California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, and Georgia. California is the state with the most school shootings in the US with 206 incidents. Texas is the second state with the most school shootings with 165 incidents. Florida follows closely behind with 113 incidents. Illinois has reported 104 school shootings, while Michigan is the fifth state with the most school shootings having experienced 82 incidents. Ohio and Pennsylvania both have 80 reported school shootings. New York is the eighth state with the most school shootings reporting 72 incidents. North Carolina is the ninth state with the most school shootings with 67 incidents. Finally, Georgia is the tenth state with the most school shootings reporting 64 cases.

The top ten states with the highest number of school shootings are:

1. California – 206
2. Texas – 165
3. Florida – 113
4. Illinois – 104
5. Michigan – 82
6. Ohio – 80
7. Pennsylvania – 80
8. New York – 72
9. North Carolina – 67
10. Georgia – 64

State With Most School Shootings

California is the state with the most school shootings in the United States, with a total of 206 incidents reported. Several factors contribute to this unfortunate reality. Firstly, California has the highest population of any state, which naturally increases the number of schools and students, making it more likely for incidents to occur. Additionally, California has faced social and economic challenges in certain areas, which can contribute to higher rates of crime and violence, including school shootings.

Some school shooting incidents in California include the Santana High School Shooting in 2001 in Santee where a 15-year-old student opened fire, killing two students and injuring 13 others. Another tragic incident occurred in 2019 at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita, California, where two students were killed and three others injured. These incidents, among others, have sparked nationwide discussions on gun control, mental health support, and school safety measures.

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Statistics on School Shootings by State

Alabama

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Number of School Shootings

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55

Ranked in the US

#13

Ranked in the US

#10

Population

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5,039,877

Ranked in the US

#24

Red or Blue State

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Republican

There have been 55 school shootings in Alabama. One notable incident occurred in 2010 at Discovery Middle School in Madison, Alabama, where a 14-year-old student opened fire, killing one student.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Alaska

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Number of School Shootings

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5

Ranked in the US

#44

Ranked in the US

#5

Population

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732,673

Ranked in the US

#49

Red or Blue State

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Republican

There have been 5 school shootings in Alaska.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Arizona

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Number of School Shootings

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17

Ranked in the US

#32

Ranked in the US

#35

Population

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7,276,316

Ranked in the US

#14

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

Arizona has seen 17 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Arkansas

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Number of School Shootings

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26

Ranked in the US

#22

Ranked in the US

#14

Population

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3,025,891

Ranked in the US

#34

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Arkansas has experienced 26 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

California

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206

Ranked in the US

#1

Ranked in the US

#45

Population

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39,237,836

Ranked in the US

#1

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

California is the state with the most school shootings. The state has experienced 206 school shootings. Notable incidents include the 2017 shooting at North Park Elementary School in San Bernardino, where three people died.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Colorado

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Number of School Shootings

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27

Ranked in the US

#21

Ranked in the US

#32

Population

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5,812,069

Ranked in the US

#21

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Colorado has seen 27 school shootings. Notable incidents include the tragic 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, where 13 people lost their lives, and 24 were injured.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Connecticut

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Number of School Shootings

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23

Ranked in the US

#23

Ranked in the US

#43

Population

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3,605,597

Ranked in the US

#29

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

There have been 23 school shootings in Connecticut. The most notable incident in Connecticut is the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, where 20 children and six educators were tragically killed.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Delaware

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Number of School Shootings

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11

Ranked in the US

#38

Ranked in the US

#30

Population

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1,003,384

Ranked in the US

#46

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Delaware has seen 11 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

District of Columbia

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29

Ranked in the US

#20

Population

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670,050

Ranked in the US

#50

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

There have been 29 school shootings in the District of Columbia.

Number of School Shootings

Population

Florida

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113

Ranked in the US

#3

Ranked in the US

#41

Population

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21,781,128

Ranked in the US

#3

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

Florida is the second state with the most school shootings. The state has experienced 113 school shootings. Notable incidents include the 2018 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, where 17 people were killed and 17 others were injured.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Georgia

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64

Ranked in the US

#10

Ranked in the US

#33

Population

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10,799,566

Ranked in the US

#8

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

Georgia is the tenth state with the most school shootings. The state has experienced 64 school shootings. Notable incidents include the 2013 shooting at McNair Discovery Learning Academy in Decatur, where no one was injured.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Hawaii

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3

Ranked in the US

#48

Ranked in the US

#49

Population

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1,441,553

Ranked in the US

#41

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Hawaii has reported 3 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Idaho

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6

Ranked in the US

#42

Ranked in the US

#4

Population

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1,900,923

Ranked in the US

#39

Red or Blue State

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Republican

There have been 6 school shootings in Idaho.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Illinois

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104

Ranked in the US

#4

Ranked in the US

#42

Population

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12,671,469

Ranked in the US

#6

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Illinois has experienced 104 school shootings. One notable incident is the 2008 shooting at Northern Illinois University, where a former student opened fire in a lecture hall, killing 5 students and injuring 21 before taking his own life.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Indiana

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37

Ranked in the US

#19

Ranked in the US

#21

Population

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6,805,985

Ranked in the US

#17

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Indiana has reported 37 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Iowa

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15

Ranked in the US

#37

Ranked in the US

#31

Population

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3,193,079

Ranked in the US

#32

Red or Blue State

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Republican

There have been 15 school shootings in Iowa.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Kansas

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Number of School Shootings

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17

Ranked in the US

#33

Ranked in the US

#22

Population

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2,934,582

Ranked in the US

#36

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Kansas has experienced 17 school shootings. In 2021, two students were shot outside a high school in Wichita.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Kentucky

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23

Ranked in the US

#24

Ranked in the US

#12

Population

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4,509,394

Ranked in the US

#26

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Kentucky has reported 23 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Louisiana

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54

Ranked in the US

#14

Ranked in the US

#13

Population

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4,624,047

Ranked in the US

#25

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Louisiana has witnessed 54 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Maine

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5

Ranked in the US

#45

Ranked in the US

#16

Population

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1,372,247

Ranked in the US

#43

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Maine has had 5 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Maryland

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56

Ranked in the US

#12

Ranked in the US

#44

Population

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6,165,129

Ranked in the US

#19

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Maryland has reported 56 school shootings. One significant incident is the 2018 shooting at Great Mills High School, where a student shot and killed another student and injured another.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Massachusetts

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16

Ranked in the US

#34

Ranked in the US

#48

Population

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6,984,723

Ranked in the US

#15

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

There have been 16 school shootings in Massachusetts.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Michigan

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Number of School Shootings

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82

Ranked in the US

#5

Ranked in the US

#29

Population

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10,050,811

Ranked in the US

#10

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

Michigan is the fifth state with the most school shootings. The state has witnessed 82 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Minnesota

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18

Ranked in the US

#29

Ranked in the US

#28

Population

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5,707,390

Ranked in the US

#22

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

In Minnesota, there have been 18 reported school shootings. One notable school shooting event occurred at Rocori High School in 2003, where two students were killed.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Mississippi

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Number of School Shootings

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22

Ranked in the US

#25

Ranked in the US

#8

Population

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2,949,965

Ranked in the US

#35

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Mississippi has experienced 22 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Missouri

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Number of School Shootings

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46

Ranked in the US

#15

Ranked in the US

#11

Population

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6,168,187

Ranked in the US

#18

Red or Blue State

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Republican

In Missouri, there have been 46 reported school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Montana

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9

Ranked in the US

#40

Ranked in the US

#1

Population

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1,104,271

Ranked in the US

#44

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Montana has recorded 9 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Nebraska

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Number of School Shootings

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11

Ranked in the US

#39

Ranked in the US

#27

Population

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1,963,692

Ranked in the US

#38

Red or Blue State

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Republican

In Nebraska, there have been 11 reported school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Nevada

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Number of School Shootings

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16

Ranked in the US

#35

Ranked in the US

#39

Population

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3,143,991

Ranked in the US

#33

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

In Nevada, 16 school shootings have been reported. One notable incident occurred in 2013 at Sparks Middle School, where a student opened fire, killing a teacher and injuring two students before taking his own life.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

New Hampshire

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7

Ranked in the US

#41

Ranked in the US

#19

Population

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1,388,992

Ranked in the US

#42

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

In New Hampshire, there have been 7 reported school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

New Jersey

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Number of School Shootings

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21

Ranked in the US

#26

Ranked in the US

#50

Population

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9,267,130

Ranked in the US

#11

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

In New Jersey, 21 school shootings have been reported.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

New Mexico

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Number of School Shootings

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18

Ranked in the US

#30

Ranked in the US

#36

Population

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2,115,877

Ranked in the US

#37

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

In New Mexico, there have been 18 reported school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

New York

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Number of School Shootings

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72

Ranked in the US

#8

Ranked in the US

#46

Population

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19,835,913

Ranked in the US

#4

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

New York is the eighth state with the most school shootings. There have been 72 reported school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

North Carolina

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Number of School Shootings

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67

Ranked in the US

#9

Ranked in the US

#34

Population

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10,551,162

Ranked in the US

#9

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

North Carolina is the ninth state with the most school shootings. The state has reported 67 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

North Dakota

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2

Ranked in the US

#50

Ranked in the US

#9

Population

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774,948

Ranked in the US

#48

Red or Blue State

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Republican

In North Dakota, there have been 2 reported school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Ohio

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Number of School Shootings

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80

Ranked in the US

#6

Ranked in the US

#23

Population

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11,780,017

Ranked in the US

#7

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

Ohio is the sixth state with the most school shootings in America. There have been 80 reported school shootings. One notable incident occurred at Chardon High School in 2012, where three students were killed and three others injured.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Oklahoma

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18

Ranked in the US

#31

Ranked in the US

#7

Population

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3,986,639

Ranked in the US

#28

Red or Blue State

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Republican

In Oklahoma, there have been 18 reported school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Oregon

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21

Ranked in the US

#27

Ranked in the US

#24

Population

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4,246,155

Ranked in the US

#27

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Oregon has experienced 21 school shootings. One significant event took place at Reynolds High School in 2014 where a student was killed and a teacher was injured.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Pennsylvania

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Number of School Shootings

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80

Ranked in the US

#7

Ranked in the US

#25

Population

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12,964,056

Ranked in the US

#5

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

Pennsylvania is the seventh state with the most school shootings with 80 events.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Rhode Island

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6

Ranked in the US

#43

Ranked in the US

#47

Population

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1,095,610

Ranked in the US

#45

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Rhode Island has seen six school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

South Carolina

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43

Ranked in the US

#16

Ranked in the US

#20

Population

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5,190,705

Ranked in the US

#23

Red or Blue State

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Republican

South Carolina has reported 43 school shootings. In 2016, an incident at Townville Elementary School resulted in the death of a 6-year-old student and injuries to two other students and a teacher.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

South Dakota

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5

Ranked in the US

#46

Ranked in the US

#6

Population

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895,376

Ranked in the US

#47

Red or Blue State

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Republican

South Dakota has had five school shootings. In 2015, a shooting occurred at Harrisburg High School, where a student wounded the principal.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Tennessee

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Number of School Shootings

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64

Ranked in the US

#11

Ranked in the US

#18

Population

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6,975,218

Ranked in the US

#16

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Tennessee has experienced 64 school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Texas

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Number of School Shootings

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165

Ranked in the US

#2

Ranked in the US

#37

Population

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29,527,941

Ranked in the US

#2

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Texas is the second state with the most school shootings. One significant event is the 2018 shooting at Santa Fe High School, where a student killed 10 people and injured 13 others.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Utah

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Number of School Shootings

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16

Ranked in the US

#36

Ranked in the US

#26

Population

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3,337,975

Ranked in the US

#30

Red or Blue State

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Republican

There have been 16 school shootings in Utah.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Vermont

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Number of School Shootings

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3

Ranked in the US

#49

Ranked in the US

#15

Population

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645,570

Ranked in the US

#51

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Vermont has had three school shootings. In 2006, a shooting occurred at Essex Elementary School, where a gunman killed a teacher and wounded another staff member.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Virginia

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Number of School Shootings

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40

Ranked in the US

#18

Ranked in the US

#38

Population

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8,642,274

Ranked in the US

#12

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Virginia has experienced 40 school shootings. In 2007, the Virginia Tech shooting shocked the nation, with a student killing 32 people and injuring 17 others from gunfire. It is the deadliest school shooting in America.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Washington

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Number of School Shootings

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43

Ranked in the US

#17

Ranked in the US

#40

Population

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7,738,692

Ranked in the US

#13

Red or Blue State

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Democrat

Washington has seen 43 school shootings. In 2014, a shooting took place at Marysville Pilchuck High School, where a student killed four classmates before turning the gun on himself.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

West Virginia

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4

Ranked in the US

#47

Ranked in the US

#3

Population

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1,782,959

Ranked in the US

#40

Red or Blue State

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Republican

West Virginia has had four school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Wisconsin

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Number of School Shootings

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20

Ranked in the US

#28

Ranked in the US

#17

Population

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5,895,908

Ranked in the US

#20

Red or Blue State

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Swing State

Wisconsin has reported 20 school shootings. In 2006, a shooting took place at Weston High School, where a student killed the school principal.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

Wyoming

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Number of School Shootings

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2

Ranked in the US

#51

Ranked in the US

#2

Population

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578,803

Ranked in the US

#52

Red or Blue State

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Republican

Wyoming has seen two school shootings.

Number of School Shootings

Gun Ownership Rate

Population

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FAQs

What state has the most school shootings ?

The state with the most school shootings is California with a total of 206 cases.

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