In America, guns are a big deal—whether you own one or not, the subject is always hot. As someone who’s spent years handling firearms, I’ve seen firsthand how ingrained guns are in our culture. But some of the stats on who owns guns, why they have them, and how these patterns shift across the country might surprise even the most seasoned gun owner. I compiled these stats based on research on gun ownership from the Pew Research Center.
Gun Ownership Rises with Age
As folks get older, they’re more likely to own a gun. About 33% of adults aged 50 and over own a gun, compared to just 28% of those aged 18-29. This might be because older adults have different needs—like self-defense or hunting—or simply because they’ve had more time to invest in a collection. I’ve noticed that as people age, their perspective on why they own a gun often shifts too.
Handguns Are the Most Popular Type of Firearm
Handguns are the go-to choice for most gun owners, with 72% reporting they own one. Rifles and shotguns follow, with 62% and 54% ownership, respectively. The preference for handguns lines up with their primary role in personal protection—they’re easy to carry, store, and use when you need them most.
Many Gun Owners Prioritize Safety in Storage
Gun safety is a priority for many owners, with 54% saying they keep their firearms locked away and unloaded when not in use. On the other hand, 30% keep at least one gun loaded and accessible at all times, often for emergencies. It’s a balance between being prepared and being safe, and each gun owner has their own approach. Personally, I believe in a mix of both—ready when you need it, but secure when you don’t.
Many Americans Believe It’s Too Easy to Obtain a Gun
When it comes to gun laws, there’s a strong belief that it’s too easy to get a gun legally in the U.S.—61% of Americans feel this way. Interestingly, this opinion is much more common among non-gun owners, urban dwellers, and Democrats. Gun owners, on the other hand, are more likely to think the current laws are about right. This divide speaks to the broader debates around gun control and access in the country today.
Married People Are More Likely to Own Guns
Marriage seems to go hand-in-hand with gun ownership. About 35% of married adults own a gun, compared to 22% of those who’ve never tied the knot. Perhaps it’s the sense of responsibility that comes with having a family, or just a shared interest between spouses, but married folks are definitely more likely to have firearms at home.
Nearly Half of Non-Gun Owners Could See Themselves Owning One in the Future
Here’s something to consider: about 47% of non-gun owners can see themselves owning a gun someday. This interest varies by political and demographic lines—Republicans and Black Americans who don’t currently own guns are more likely to consider owning one in the future. It seems that the appeal of gun ownership cuts across various segments of society.
Nearly Half of American Adults Have a Gun at Home
Here’s a stat that even caught me off guard: almost 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. live in a household with a gun. That’s roughly 42% of the adult population, which means guns are practically a household staple for many. While it’s no shock that rural areas have higher numbers, the fact that this percentage is so high across the board—even in urban areas—tells you just how prevalent gun ownership really is.
White Americans Are the Most Likely to Own Guns
Race is a major factor in gun ownership, with White adults being the most likely to own guns—nearly half of them do, at 49%. Compare that to 32% of Black adults and 21% of Hispanic adults, and the differences are clear. The reasons behind this are tied up in history, culture, and a whole lot of other social factors, but it’s a trend that’s been consistent for a long time.
Republicans Are Twice as Likely as Democrats to Own Guns
Political beliefs are a strong predictor of gun ownership. Around 44% of Republicans own a gun, which is more than double the rate of Democrats, at just 20%. This divide underscores the deep political rift in the country, especially when it comes to guns and how they’re regulated. For many, owning a gun is as much about personal freedom as it is about protection.
Rural Americans Are Most Likely to Own Guns
If you live out in the country, chances are you’ve got a gun—or several. According to the survey, 46% of rural residents own guns, compared to 28% in the suburbs and just 19% in urban areas. For those of us in rural settings, guns are more than just tools; they’re part of a way of life, whether it’s for hunting, self-defense, or simply a tradition passed down through generations.
Most Gun Owners Feel Safer Owning a Gun
One of the most interesting aspects of gun ownership is how it affects people’s sense of security. A hefty 81% of gun owners say that having a firearm makes them feel safer, a sentiment that’s not as strong among non-owners who live in gun-owning households—only 57% of them say the same. This highlights how personal experience and familiarity with firearms can shape one’s comfort level with having them around.
The More Educated You Are, the Less Likely You Are to Own a Gun
Education seems to play a role in gun ownership, with those holding only a high school diploma or less being more likely to own a gun (40%) compared to those with some college (30%) or a college degree (25%). This could be due to differences in life experiences, economic backgrounds, or values. But in my experience, a lot of this also comes down to where and how you were raised.
Gun Ownership Offers More Than Just Protection—It’s Enjoyable
Beyond the practical reasons, a lot of gun owners simply enjoy having firearms. About 71% of gun owners say they enjoy owning a gun. That enjoyment, however, isn’t as commonly shared by those who live in a household with a gun—only 31% of non-owners in gun-owning households say they enjoy having one around.
Men Are Far More Likely to Own Guns Than Women
When it comes to owning guns, men are leading the charge. Nearly 39% of men say they own a gun, compared to 22% of women. This isn’t too surprising, though I’ve met plenty of women who can outshoot the guys any day of the week. It’s a gap that holds true across the country, but I wouldn’t count out the ladies just yet.
Family Traditions Play a Big Role in Gun Ownership
Guns often run in the family. About 67% of gun owners say they inherited at least one of their firearms from a relative. This isn’t just about getting a free gun—these pieces are often treasured heirlooms with stories behind them. I’ve got a few in my collection that were passed down to me, and they mean more than just their utility; they’re part of my family’s history.
The South Has the Highest Rate of Gun Ownership
The South leads the nation when it comes to gun ownership, with 36% of adults owning a gun. On the flip side, the Northeast has the lowest rate, at just 16%. These differences aren’t just about geography—they’re deeply rooted in regional cultures and attitudes towards guns, and how state laws either restrict or encourage gun ownership.
Gun Owners Rarely Stop at Just One
Once you own a gun, it’s hard to stop at one. The survey found that 66% of gun owners have more than one firearm, and 29% own five or more. Collecting guns can become a bit of a passion, whether it’s for hunting, sport shooting, or just appreciating the craftsmanship. I’ve certainly added to my collection over the years, and each one has a purpose or a story.
Americans Are Split on Whether Gun Ownership Increases or Decreases Safety
There’s a significant divide in how Americans view the impact of gun ownership on safety. About 52% believe that owning a gun increases safety by allowing law-abiding citizens to protect themselves. On the other hand, 47% think that it decreases safety by making firearms too accessible and increasing the risk of misuse. This split in opinion reflects the broader national debate over the role of guns in society.
Personal Protection Is the Top Reason for Owning a Gun
When you ask gun owners why they have a firearm, most will tell you it’s for protection. About 72% keep a gun for personal defense, while 38% own one for hunting. This makes perfect sense, especially in more isolated areas where self-reliance is key. For me, living in a rural spot, having a good rifle isn’t just for hunting—it’s a necessity for protecting my home and family too.
