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
| # | State | Number of School Shootings | Gun Ownership Rate | Population | Red or Blue State |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 206 | 16.3% | 39,237,836 | Democrat |
| 2 | Texas | 165 | 35.5% | 29,527,941 | Republican |
| 3 | Florida | 113 | 28.8% | 21,781,128 | Swing State |
| 4 | Illinois | 104 | 22.6% | 12,671,469 | Democrat |
| 5 | Michigan | 82 | 38.9% | 10,050,811 | Swing State |
| 6 | Ohio | 80 | 41.9% | 11,780,017 | Swing State |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 80 | 40.2% | 12,964,056 | Swing State |
| 8 | New York | 72 | 14.5% | 19,835,913 | Democrat |
| 9 | North Carolina | 67 | 37.1% | 10,551,162 | Swing State |
| 10 | Georgia | 64 | 37.7% | 10,799,566 | Swing State |
| 11 | Tennessee | 64 | 46.9% | 6,975,218 | Republican |
| 12 | Maryland | 56 | 16.7% | 6,165,129 | Democrat |
| 13 | Alabama | 55 | 52.8% | 5,039,877 | Republican |
| 14 | Louisiana | 54 | 52.3% | 4,624,047 | Republican |
| 15 | Missouri | 46 | 52.8% | 6,168,187 | Republican |
| 16 | South Carolina | 43 | 45.5% | 5,190,705 | Republican |
| 17 | Washington | 43 | 32.1% | 7,738,692 | Democrat |
| 18 | Virginia | 40 | 35.3% | 8,642,274 | Democrat |
| 19 | Indiana | 37 | 42.4% | 6,805,985 | Republican |
| 20 | District of Columbia | 29 | 670,050 | Democrat | |
| 21 | Colorado | 27 | 37.9% | 5,812,069 | Democrat |
| 22 | Arkansas | 26 | 51.8% | 3,025,891 | Republican |
| 23 | Connecticut | 23 | 18.8% | 3,605,597 | Democrat |
| 24 | Kentucky | 23 | 52.5% | 4,509,394 | Republican |
| 25 | Mississippi | 22 | 54.1% | 2,949,965 | Republican |
| 26 | New Jersey | 21 | 8.9% | 9,267,130 | Democrat |
| 27 | Oregon | 21 | 41.4% | 4,246,155 | Democrat |
| 28 | Wisconsin | 20 | 47.1% | 5,895,908 | Swing State |
| 29 | Minnesota | 18 | 39.1% | 5,707,390 | Swing State |
| 30 | New Mexico | 18 | 35.9% | 2,115,877 | Democrat |
| 31 | Oklahoma | 18 | 54.9% | 3,986,639 | Republican |
| 32 | Arizona | 17 | 36.4% | 7,276,316 | Swing State |
| 33 | Kansas | 17 | 42.3% | 2,934,582 | Republican |
| 34 | Massachusetts | 16 | 9.9% | 6,984,723 | Democrat |
| 35 | Nevada | 16 | 32.9% | 3,143,991 | Swing State |
| 36 | Utah | 16 | 39.7% | 3,337,975 | Republican |
| 37 | Iowa | 15 | 38.5% | 3,193,079 | Republican |
| 38 | Delaware | 11 | 38.7% | 1,003,384 | Democrat |
| 39 | Nebraska | 11 | 39.2% | 1,963,692 | Republican |
| 40 | Montana | 9 | 65.7% | 1,104,271 | Republican |
| 41 | New Hampshire | 7 | 46.3% | 1,388,992 | Democrat |
| 42 | Idaho | 6 | 57.8% | 1,900,923 | Republican |
| 43 | Rhode Island | 6 | 13.9% | 1,095,610 | Democrat |
| 44 | Alaska | 5 | 57.2% | 732,673 | Republican |
| 45 | Maine | 5 | 47.7% | 1,372,247 | Democrat |
| 46 | South Dakota | 5 | 55.6% | 895,376 | Republican |
| 47 | West Virginia | 4 | 60.6% | 1,782,959 | Republican |
| 48 | Hawaii | 3 | 9.1% | 1,441,553 | Democrat |
| 49 | Vermont | 3 | 50.3% | 645,570 | Democrat |
| 50 | North Dakota | 2 | 53.3% | 774,948 | Republican |
| 51 | Wyoming | 2 | 60.7% | 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.
Statistics on School Shootings by State
Alabama
Number of School Shootings
55
Ranked in the US
#13
52.8%
Ranked in the US
#10
Population
5,039,877
Ranked in the US
#24
Red or Blue State
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.
Alaska
Number of School Shootings
5
Ranked in the US
#44
57.2%
Ranked in the US
#5
Population
732,673
Ranked in the US
#49
Red or Blue State
Republican
There have been 5 school shootings in Alaska.
Arizona
Number of School Shootings
17
Ranked in the US
#32
36.4%
Ranked in the US
#35
Population
7,276,316
Ranked in the US
#14
Red or Blue State
Swing State
Arizona has seen 17 school shootings.
Arkansas
Number of School Shootings
26
Ranked in the US
#22
51.8%
Ranked in the US
#14
Population
3,025,891
Ranked in the US
#34
Red or Blue State
Republican
Arkansas has experienced 26 school shootings.
California
Number of School Shootings
206
Ranked in the US
#1
16.3%
Ranked in the US
#45
Population
39,237,836
Ranked in the US
#1
Red or Blue State
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.
Colorado
Number of School Shootings
27
Ranked in the US
#21
37.9%
Ranked in the US
#32
Population
5,812,069
Ranked in the US
#21
Red or Blue State
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.
Connecticut
Number of School Shootings
23
Ranked in the US
#23
18.8%
Ranked in the US
#43
Population
3,605,597
Ranked in the US
#29
Red or Blue State
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.
Delaware
Number of School Shootings
11
Ranked in the US
#38
38.7%
Ranked in the US
#30
Population
1,003,384
Ranked in the US
#46
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Delaware has seen 11 school shootings.
District of Columbia
Number of School Shootings
29
Ranked in the US
#20
Population
670,050
Ranked in the US
#50
Red or Blue State
Democrat
There have been 29 school shootings in the District of Columbia.
Florida
Number of School Shootings
113
Ranked in the US
#3
28.8%
Ranked in the US
#41
Population
21,781,128
Ranked in the US
#3
Red or Blue State
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.
Georgia
Number of School Shootings
64
Ranked in the US
#10
37.7%
Ranked in the US
#33
Population
10,799,566
Ranked in the US
#8
Red or Blue State
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.
Hawaii
Number of School Shootings
3
Ranked in the US
#48
Ranked in the US
#49
Population
1,441,553
Ranked in the US
#41
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Hawaii has reported 3 school shootings.
Idaho
Number of School Shootings
6
Ranked in the US
#42
57.8%
Ranked in the US
#4
Population
1,900,923
Ranked in the US
#39
Red or Blue State
Republican
There have been 6 school shootings in Idaho.
Illinois
Number of School Shootings
104
Ranked in the US
#4
22.6%
Ranked in the US
#42
Population
12,671,469
Ranked in the US
#6
Red or Blue State
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.
Indiana
Number of School Shootings
37
Ranked in the US
#19
42.4%
Ranked in the US
#21
Population
6,805,985
Ranked in the US
#17
Red or Blue State
Republican
Indiana has reported 37 school shootings.
Iowa
Number of School Shootings
15
Ranked in the US
#37
38.5%
Ranked in the US
#31
Population
3,193,079
Ranked in the US
#32
Red or Blue State
Republican
There have been 15 school shootings in Iowa.
Kansas
Number of School Shootings
17
Ranked in the US
#33
42.3%
Ranked in the US
#22
Population
2,934,582
Ranked in the US
#36
Red or Blue State
Republican
Kansas has experienced 17 school shootings. In 2021, two students were shot outside a high school in Wichita.
Kentucky
Number of School Shootings
23
Ranked in the US
#24
52.5%
Ranked in the US
#12
Population
4,509,394
Ranked in the US
#26
Red or Blue State
Republican
Kentucky has reported 23 school shootings.
Louisiana
Number of School Shootings
54
Ranked in the US
#14
52.3%
Ranked in the US
#13
Population
4,624,047
Ranked in the US
#25
Red or Blue State
Republican
Louisiana has witnessed 54 school shootings.
Maine
Number of School Shootings
5
Ranked in the US
#45
47.7%
Ranked in the US
#16
Population
1,372,247
Ranked in the US
#43
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Maine has had 5 school shootings.
Maryland
Number of School Shootings
56
Ranked in the US
#12
16.7%
Ranked in the US
#44
Population
6,165,129
Ranked in the US
#19
Red or Blue State
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.
Massachusetts
Number of School Shootings
16
Ranked in the US
#34
Ranked in the US
#48
Population
6,984,723
Ranked in the US
#15
Red or Blue State
Democrat
There have been 16 school shootings in Massachusetts.
Michigan
Number of School Shootings
82
Ranked in the US
#5
38.9%
Ranked in the US
#29
Population
10,050,811
Ranked in the US
#10
Red or Blue State
Swing State
Michigan is the fifth state with the most school shootings. The state has witnessed 82 school shootings.
Minnesota
Number of School Shootings
18
Ranked in the US
#29
39.1%
Ranked in the US
#28
Population
5,707,390
Ranked in the US
#22
Red or Blue State
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.
Mississippi
Number of School Shootings
22
Ranked in the US
#25
54.1%
Ranked in the US
#8
Population
2,949,965
Ranked in the US
#35
Red or Blue State
Republican
Mississippi has experienced 22 school shootings.
Missouri
Number of School Shootings
46
Ranked in the US
#15
52.8%
Ranked in the US
#11
Population
6,168,187
Ranked in the US
#18
Red or Blue State
Republican
In Missouri, there have been 46 reported school shootings.
Montana
Number of School Shootings
9
Ranked in the US
#40
65.7%
Ranked in the US
#1
Population
1,104,271
Ranked in the US
#44
Red or Blue State
Republican
Montana has recorded 9 school shootings.
Nebraska
Number of School Shootings
11
Ranked in the US
#39
39.2%
Ranked in the US
#27
Population
1,963,692
Ranked in the US
#38
Red or Blue State
Republican
In Nebraska, there have been 11 reported school shootings.
Nevada
Number of School Shootings
16
Ranked in the US
#35
32.9%
Ranked in the US
#39
Population
3,143,991
Ranked in the US
#33
Red or Blue State
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.
New Hampshire
Number of School Shootings
7
Ranked in the US
#41
46.3%
Ranked in the US
#19
Population
1,388,992
Ranked in the US
#42
Red or Blue State
Democrat
In New Hampshire, there have been 7 reported school shootings.
New Jersey
Number of School Shootings
21
Ranked in the US
#26
Ranked in the US
#50
Population
9,267,130
Ranked in the US
#11
Red or Blue State
Democrat
In New Jersey, 21 school shootings have been reported.
New Mexico
Number of School Shootings
18
Ranked in the US
#30
35.9%
Ranked in the US
#36
Population
2,115,877
Ranked in the US
#37
Red or Blue State
Democrat
In New Mexico, there have been 18 reported school shootings.
New York
Number of School Shootings
72
Ranked in the US
#8
14.5%
Ranked in the US
#46
Population
19,835,913
Ranked in the US
#4
Red or Blue State
Democrat
New York is the eighth state with the most school shootings. There have been 72 reported school shootings.
North Carolina
Number of School Shootings
67
Ranked in the US
#9
37.1%
Ranked in the US
#34
Population
10,551,162
Ranked in the US
#9
Red or Blue State
Swing State
North Carolina is the ninth state with the most school shootings. The state has reported 67 school shootings.
North Dakota
Number of School Shootings
2
Ranked in the US
#50
53.3%
Ranked in the US
#9
Population
774,948
Ranked in the US
#48
Red or Blue State
Republican
In North Dakota, there have been 2 reported school shootings.
Ohio
Number of School Shootings
80
Ranked in the US
#6
41.9%
Ranked in the US
#23
Population
11,780,017
Ranked in the US
#7
Red or Blue State
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.
Oklahoma
Number of School Shootings
18
Ranked in the US
#31
54.9%
Ranked in the US
#7
Population
3,986,639
Ranked in the US
#28
Red or Blue State
Republican
In Oklahoma, there have been 18 reported school shootings.
Oregon
Number of School Shootings
21
Ranked in the US
#27
41.4%
Ranked in the US
#24
Population
4,246,155
Ranked in the US
#27
Red or Blue State
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.
Pennsylvania
Number of School Shootings
80
Ranked in the US
#7
40.2%
Ranked in the US
#25
Population
12,964,056
Ranked in the US
#5
Red or Blue State
Swing State
Pennsylvania is the seventh state with the most school shootings with 80 events.
Rhode Island
Number of School Shootings
6
Ranked in the US
#43
13.9%
Ranked in the US
#47
Population
1,095,610
Ranked in the US
#45
Red or Blue State
Democrat
Rhode Island has seen six school shootings.
South Carolina
Number of School Shootings
43
Ranked in the US
#16
45.5%
Ranked in the US
#20
Population
5,190,705
Ranked in the US
#23
Red or Blue State
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.
South Dakota
Number of School Shootings
5
Ranked in the US
#46
55.6%
Ranked in the US
#6
Population
895,376
Ranked in the US
#47
Red or Blue State
Republican
South Dakota has had five school shootings. In 2015, a shooting occurred at Harrisburg High School, where a student wounded the principal.
Tennessee
Number of School Shootings
64
Ranked in the US
#11
46.9%
Ranked in the US
#18
Population
6,975,218
Ranked in the US
#16
Red or Blue State
Republican
Tennessee has experienced 64 school shootings.
Texas
Number of School Shootings
165
Ranked in the US
#2
35.5%
Ranked in the US
#37
Population
29,527,941
Ranked in the US
#2
Red or Blue State
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.
Utah
Number of School Shootings
16
Ranked in the US
#36
39.7%
Ranked in the US
#26
Population
3,337,975
Ranked in the US
#30
Red or Blue State
Republican
There have been 16 school shootings in Utah.
Vermont
Number of School Shootings
3
Ranked in the US
#49
50.3%
Ranked in the US
#15
Population
645,570
Ranked in the US
#51
Red or Blue State
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.
Virginia
Number of School Shootings
40
Ranked in the US
#18
35.3%
Ranked in the US
#38
Population
8,642,274
Ranked in the US
#12
Red or Blue State
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.
Washington
Number of School Shootings
43
Ranked in the US
#17
32.1%
Ranked in the US
#40
Population
7,738,692
Ranked in the US
#13
Red or Blue State
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.
West Virginia
Number of School Shootings
4
Ranked in the US
#47
60.6%
Ranked in the US
#3
Population
1,782,959
Ranked in the US
#40
Red or Blue State
Republican
West Virginia has had four school shootings.
Wisconsin
Number of School Shootings
20
Ranked in the US
#28
47.1%
Ranked in the US
#17
Population
5,895,908
Ranked in the US
#20
Red or Blue State
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.
Wyoming
Number of School Shootings
2
Ranked in the US
#51
60.7%
Ranked in the US
#2
Population
578,803
Ranked in the US
#52
Red or Blue State
Republican
Wyoming has seen two school shootings.
FAQs
What state has the most school shootings ?
The state with the most school shootings is California with a total of 206 cases.
Need to survey a highly targeted audience?
Talk to our Experts