Firearm-related deaths are a significant issue across the U.S., with the latest verified data showing that 48,204 people died in the U.S. in 2022 (2023 data is not finalized yet), that’s 132 people per day, or one person dying every 11 minutes. I found those to be pretty shocking figures and had to recheck my sources and double-check their math to be sure.
For preppers and homesteaders, understanding where these risks are highest and lowest is an important part of being prepared. While knowing how to defend yourself and the best type of weapons for your needs is important, so is knowing where you’re likely to be safer, especially if you’re considering bugout locations or a new property purchase.
Some states have strict regulations to keep their rates low, while others have cultural or legislative factors that push their numbers higher. Here’s a breakdown of every state, ranked from the lowest to highest firearm mortality rates.
I used the latest available finalized CDC mortality data to compile this list, and included suicides as well as homicides, accidental deaths, and officer-involved shootings. I did not, however, include incidents that resulted in injury only.
In the latter half of 2024, the latest verified data we have is for 2022, so this is what I’ve used. I’ll also keep it updated with the latest finalized data each year.
Gun Death Stats
In 2022, the latest year for which we have finalized statistics, 48,204 people died as a result of a firearms incident.
One hundred and thirty-two people per day died from gun-related incidents.
One person every eleven minutes died as a result of a firearm.
Notice, though, that I don’t say gun violence? That’s because of those 48,204 deaths, 27,032 of them were ruled suicides. That means that 55% of all suicides in the United States in 2022 were by firearm.
Homicide is the second leading cause of gun-related fatalities, at 19,651 deaths, and accounting for 79% of all reported homicides.
Then, there were 463 accidental shooting-related deaths, 643 officer-involved shootings, and another 415 that were ruled undetermined.
51. Rhode Island
Rhode Island has the lowest firearm death rate in the U.S., at 3.1 deaths per 100,000 people, with 37 total deaths. This is likely due to its strict gun laws and relatively small, densely populated area. The state’s comprehensive background check system and mandatory safety training for new gun owners contribute significantly to its low firearm death rate.
50. Massachusetts
Massachusetts reports a firearm death rate of 3.7 per 100,000 people, with 263 deaths. The state’s rigorous gun control measures, including background checks and restrictions on high-capacity magazines, contribute to its low death rate. Massachusetts also requires firearms to be stored with a lock when not in use, which helps prevent accidental deaths and unauthorized access.
49. Hawaii
With a firearm death rate of 4.5 per 100,000 people and 66 deaths, Hawaii benefits from its geographic isolation and some of the strictest gun laws in the country, which include stringent background checks. The state’s requirement for gun owners to register their firearms and obtain a permit to purchase contributes to its low firearm death rate.
48. New Jersey
New Jersey has a firearm death rate of 5.0 per 100,000 people, with 468 deaths. Strong gun control measures, such as mandatory background checks and permits for gun purchases, help keep the death rate relatively low. The state also has a strict assault weapons ban and limits on magazine capacity, further contributing to its low firearm mortality rate.
47. New York
New York’s firearm death rate is 5.3 per 100,000 people, with 1,044 deaths. Despite the state’s large population, strict gun control measures, such as the SAFE Act, help reduce firearm-related deaths. New York’s comprehensive licensing system for handguns and its strong regulations on assault weapons play a significant role in maintaining a low firearm death rate.
46. Connecticut
Connecticut reports a firearm death rate of 6.9 per 100,000 people, with 252 deaths. After the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting, the state enacted stricter gun control laws, which have contributed to its low death rate. Connecticut’s permit-to-purchase requirement for all firearms and its ban on high-capacity magazines are key factors in its relatively low firearm mortality rate.
45. California
California has a firearm death rate of 8.6 per 100,000 people, with 3,484 deaths. Despite its large population, the state’s stringent gun control laws, including a ban on assault weapons, help keep the death rate lower than the national average. California’s mandatory 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases and its red flag laws also contribute to its lower firearm death rate.
44. Minnesota
Minnesota’s firearm death rate is 9.6 per 100,000 people, with 561 deaths. The state’s balanced approach to gun control, which includes background checks and permits for carrying, helps keep deaths relatively low. Minnesota’s “shall issue” concealed carry permit system, combined with mandatory firearm safety training, contributes to its lower-than-average firearm death rate.
43. New Hampshire
New Hampshire reports a firearm death rate of 10.1 per 100,000 people, with 156 deaths. Despite being a rural state with high gun ownership, it maintains a relatively low firearm death rate. New Hampshire’s strong emphasis on firearm safety education and its relatively low poverty rate contribute to its lower firearm mortality rate compared to other states with similar gun ownership levels.
42. Iowa
Iowa’s firearm death rate stands at 11.2 per 100,000 people, with 367 deaths. While guns are widely owned in rural areas, the majority of deaths are related to suicides rather than violent crime. Iowa’s permit-to-purchase requirement for handguns, which includes a background check and a three-day waiting period, contributes to its lower firearm death rate.
41. Maine
Maine has a firearm death rate of 11.7 per 100,000 people, with 179 deaths. The state’s largely rural nature, along with widespread gun ownership, contributes to its death rate, though most deaths are suicides. Maine’s emphasis on firearm safety education and hunter safety programs plays a role in keeping its firearm death rate lower than many other rural states.
40. Delaware
Delaware’s firearm death rate is 11.9 per 100,000 people, with 124 deaths. Gun violence in Wilmington and other urban areas contributes to the state’s higher death rate compared to neighboring states. Delaware’s recent implementation of red flag laws and its ban on high-capacity magazines aim to address these issues and potentially reduce firearm deaths in the future.
39. Vermont
Vermont reports a firearm death rate of 12.0 per 100,000 people, with 84 deaths. Firearms are commonly owned for hunting and self-defense in this rural state, though suicides account for most of the gun-related deaths. Vermont’s recent implementation of universal background checks and a ban on high-capacity magazines may help reduce firearm deaths in the coming years.
38. Nebraska
Nebraska’s firearm death rate is 12.2 per 100,000 people, with 244 deaths. Like many rural states, Nebraska’s gun deaths are mostly related to suicides, with fewer incidents of violent crime. The state’s requirement for a purchase permit for handguns, which includes a background check, helps mitigate some risks associated with firearm ownership.
37. Washington
Washington State has a firearm death rate of 12.4 per 100,000 people, with 1,022 deaths. The state has experienced a rise in gun violence in urban areas, though most firearm deaths are still related to suicides. Washington’s recently implemented universal background check law and its extreme risk protection order (red flag) law aim to address both urban violence and suicide prevention.
36. Maryland
Maryland’s firearm death rate stands at 13.6 per 100,000 people, with 813 deaths. Despite strong gun control laws, the state’s urban centers, like Baltimore, experience significant gun violence. Maryland’s Firearm Safety Act, which requires fingerprinting and licensing for handgun purchases, is designed to reduce illegal gun trafficking and related violence.
35. Utah
Utah has a firearm death rate of 13.7 per 100,000 people, with 446 deaths. High gun ownership in rural areas, combined with urban violence, contributes to Utah’s death rate, with many deaths being suicides. The state’s emphasis on firearm safety education and its strong support for mental health initiatives aim to address the high suicide rate.
34. Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s firearm death rate is 14.0 per 100,000 people, with 830 deaths. Much of the state’s firearm deaths are linked to rural suicides, though urban gun violence in cities like Milwaukee also plays a role. Wisconsin’s 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, which was repealed in 2015, is currently being reconsidered as a potential measure to reduce impulsive firearm deaths.
33. Florida
Florida has a firearm death rate of 14.0 per 100,000 people, with 3,232 deaths. A mix of urban gun violence and a large gun-owning population keeps Florida’s numbers relatively high. The state’s “Stand Your Ground” law and its preemption of local firearm regulations have been subjects of ongoing debate regarding their impact on gun violence.
32. Illinois
Illinois has a firearm death rate of 14.4 per 100,000 people, with 1,798 deaths. While the state has some of the strictest gun laws in the U.S., cities like Chicago experience high levels of gun violence. Illinois’ Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card system, which requires all gun owners to obtain a license, is unique among U.S. states and aims to reduce illegal gun ownership.
31. Oregon
Oregon’s firearm death rate is 14.4 per 100,000 people, with 655 deaths. Suicides make up a significant portion of Oregon’s gun deaths, particularly in rural areas. The state’s recent implementation of an extreme risk protection order law (red flag law) aims to reduce both suicide risks and potential mass shooting incidents.
30. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania reports a firearm death rate of 14.7 per 100,000 people, with 1,941 deaths. The state struggles with gun violence in urban areas like Philadelphia and a high rate of firearm suicides in rural areas. Pennsylvania’s instant background check system for firearm purchases, which goes beyond federal requirements, is designed to prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining guns.
29. Virginia
Virginia’s firearm death rate is 14.9 per 100,000 people, with 1,316 deaths. The state sees a mix of gun violence in cities like Richmond and suicides in rural areas. Virginia’s recent implementation of universal background checks and a one-handgun-a-month purchase limit aims to reduce both urban gun violence and trafficking.
28. Michigan
Michigan has a firearm death rate of 15.0 per 100,000 people, with 1,504 deaths. The state’s death rate is driven by urban gun violence, particularly in Detroit, along with rural suicides. Michigan’s permit-to-purchase system for handguns, which requires a background check and safety training, is designed to reduce illegal gun transfers and promote responsible ownership.
27. Texas
Texas reports a firearm death rate of 15.3 per 100,000 people, with 4,630 deaths. Texas’ high gun ownership and relatively permissive laws contribute to a large number of both gun homicides and suicides. The state’s recent permitless carry law, which allows most adults to carry handguns without a license, has sparked debates about its potential impact on gun violence rates.
26. Ohio
Ohio’s firearm death rate is 15.6 per 100,000 people, with 1,831 deaths. The state has a mix of urban gun violence and high rates of rural suicides, contributing to its death toll. Ohio’s recent “Stand Your Ground” law and its consideration of permitless carry legislation have intensified discussions about gun rights and public safety in the state.
25. South Dakota
South Dakota has a firearm death rate of 15.7 per 100,000 people, with 141 deaths. In this rural state, the majority of gun deaths are suicides, reflecting a high rate of gun ownership. South Dakota’s strong hunting culture and emphasis on firearm safety education play a role in shaping its approach to gun ownership and related policies.
24. West Virginia
West Virginia reports a firearm death rate of 16.2 per 100,000 people, with 311 deaths. Firearms are a common part of life in this rural state, and suicides account for many of the firearm-related deaths. The state’s high poverty rate and limited access to mental health services in rural areas contribute to its elevated firearm suicide rate.
23. North Dakota
North Dakota’s firearm death rate is 16.4 per 100,000 people, with 125 deaths. The state’s largely rural population, combined with high gun ownership, contributes to this relatively high death rate. North Dakota’s strong hunting tradition and recent permitless carry law reflect its cultural attitudes towards firearms, which influence its gun-related policies and death rates.
22. Kansas
Kansas has a firearm death rate of 16.8 per 100,000 people, with 492 deaths. Rural gun ownership, combined with fewer restrictions on firearms, drives the state’s high gun death rate. Kansas’ permitless carry law and its preemption of local firearm regulations reflect its generally permissive approach to gun ownership and carry rights.
21. North Carolina
North Carolina has a firearm death rate of 16.8 per 100,000 people, with 1,831 deaths. The state experiences gun violence in urban centers like Charlotte and high suicide rates in rural areas. North Carolina’s pistol purchase permit system, which requires a background check for handgun purchases, aims to reduce illegal gun transfers and related violence.
20. Idaho
Idaho’s firearm death rate is 17.0 per 100,000 people, with 338 deaths. The state’s gun culture, focused on hunting and self-defense, contributes to its relatively high rate of gun deaths, particularly suicides. Idaho’s recent expansion of permitless carry to non-residents reflects its strong support for gun rights, which influences its approach to firearm-related policies.
19. Colorado
Colorado has a firearm death rate of 17.1 per 100,000 people, with 1,036 deaths. A significant portion of the state’s gun deaths are related to suicide, reflecting widespread gun ownership in rural areas. Colorado’s recent implementation of a red flag law and universal background checks aims to address both suicide prevention and urban gun violence.
18. Indiana
Indiana reports a firearm death rate of 17.4 per 100,000 people, with 1,211 deaths. Gun violence in cities like Indianapolis and high rates of rural suicide contribute to Indiana’s high gun death rate. The state’s lifetime handgun carry license, which doesn’t require firearms training, has been a subject of debate regarding its impact on gun violence rates.
17. Kentucky
Kentucky’s firearm death rate is 18.8 per 100,000 people, with 840 deaths. Rural gun ownership and a lack of stringent gun laws contribute to the state’s high suicide rate. Kentucky’s recent adoption of permitless carry for concealed weapons reflects its strong support for gun rights, which may influence future firearm-related policies and death rates.
16. Nevada
Nevada has a firearm death rate of 18.9 per 100,000 people, with 618 deaths. Urban gun violence, particularly in Las Vegas, combined with high rates of rural suicides, contributes to Nevada’s relatively high firearm death rate. The state’s recent implementation of universal background checks and a red flag law aims to address both urban violence and suicide prevention.
15. Georgia
Georgia’s firearm death rate is 19.7 per 100,000 people, with 2,163 deaths. The state’s high gun ownership and urban violence, particularly in cities like Atlanta, drive the firearm death rate up. Georgia’s gun laws are relatively lax, contributing to the high number of gun-related deaths. The state’s “guns everywhere” law, which expanded where licensed owners can carry firearms, has been a point of contention in discussions about public safety.
14. Oklahoma
Oklahoma reports a firearm death rate of 19.8 per 100,000 people, with 797 deaths. Much of the state’s deaths occur in rural areas where gun ownership is widespread, and the lack of strict gun control laws contributes to the elevated rate. Oklahoma’s recent adoption of permitless carry reflects its strong support for gun rights, which may influence future firearm-related policies and death rates.
13. Arizona
Arizona’s firearm death rate stands at 20.1 per 100,000 people, with 1,535 deaths. With a strong gun culture and permissive gun laws, Arizona sees high numbers of both suicides and homicides, particularly in rural areas. The state’s constitutional carry law, which allows for concealed carry without a permit, is reflective of its overall approach to gun rights and regulations.
12. Wyoming
Wyoming has a firearm death rate of 20.4 per 100,000 people, with 124 deaths. The state’s vast rural landscape and hunting culture contribute to a high rate of gun ownership, with suicides accounting for most of the gun-related deaths. Wyoming’s strong emphasis on personal freedom and limited government intervention is reflected in its permissive gun laws, including permitless carry.
11. Tennessee
Tennessee reports a firearm death rate of 20.5 per 100,000 people, with 1,480 deaths. Gun violence in cities like Memphis and Nashville, combined with rural suicides, keeps Tennessee’s numbers high. The state’s recent adoption of permitless carry for both open and concealed firearms has intensified debates about the balance between gun rights and public safety.
10. South Carolina
South Carolina’s firearm death rate is 20.8 per 100,000 people, with 1,105 deaths. A strong gun culture and relatively lax gun laws contribute to both urban violence and rural suicides, resulting in a higher death rate. The state’s “Stand Your Ground” law and its generally permissive approach to gun ownership have been subjects of ongoing discussion regarding their impact on gun violence rates.
9. District of Columbia
The District of Columbia, despite being a small geographic area, has a firearm death rate of 21.4 per 100,000 people, with 154 deaths. Gun violence remains a significant issue in the city, despite its strict gun control laws. The District’s unique status as a federal district and its dense urban environment present challenges in addressing gun violence that differ from those faced by states.
8. Arkansas
Arkansas has a firearm death rate of 21.9 per 100,000 people, with 666 deaths. Many of the state’s gun-related deaths are suicides in rural areas, although urban violence also plays a role. Arkansas’ recent adoption of a “Stand Your Ground” law and its permitless carry policy reflect its generally permissive approach to gun rights and regulations.
7. Alaska
Alaska reports a firearm death rate of 22.4 per 100,000 people, with 164 deaths. In this remote and largely rural state, gun ownership is high, primarily for hunting and protection, but the state also struggles with a high rate of firearm suicides. Alaska’s constitutional carry law and its strong emphasis on self-reliance contribute to its approach to firearm ownership and related policies.
6. Montana
Montana’s firearm death rate is 23.9 per 100,000 people, with 274 deaths. With a significant portion of the population involved in hunting and outdoor activities, gun ownership is common, and suicides make up the majority of the gun deaths. Montana’s recent expansion of permitless carry to college campuses has sparked debates about gun rights and safety in educational settings.
5. Missouri
Missouri reports a firearm death rate of 24.2 per 100,000 people, with 1,489 deaths. The state sees high levels of gun violence, particularly in urban areas like St. Louis and Kansas City, alongside rural suicides. Missouri’s repeal of its permit requirement for purchasing handguns in 2007 has been a subject of research and debate regarding its impact on gun violence rates.
4. Alabama
Alabama has a firearm death rate of 25.5 per 100,000 people, with 1,278 deaths. The state’s permissive gun laws and widespread gun ownership contribute to its high death rate, with both urban violence and rural suicides playing significant roles. Alabama’s recent adoption of permitless carry reflects its strong support for gun rights, which influences its approach to firearm-related policies.
3. New Mexico
New Mexico has a firearm death rate of 27.3 per 100,000 people, with 571 deaths. The state’s high poverty levels, combined with lax gun laws and a strong rural gun culture, contribute to the high rate of both homicides and suicides. New Mexico’s recent implementation of a red flag law aims to address some of these issues, particularly in terms of suicide prevention and domestic violence intervention.
2. Louisiana
Louisiana reports a firearm death rate of 28.2 per 100,000 people, with 1,266 deaths. A high rate of gun ownership and significant urban violence, particularly in New Orleans, keep Louisiana near the top of this list. The state’s poverty rate and limited access to mental health services in some areas contribute to its high firearm death rate, particularly in terms of suicides.
1. Mississippi
Mississippi has the highest firearm death rate in the United States, at 29.6 per 100,000 people, with 848 deaths. Weak gun laws, high poverty, and a strong gun culture all contribute to the state’s staggering firearm death rate, with a significant portion of the deaths being suicides. The state’s lack of required background checks for private gun sales and absence of a waiting period for firearm purchases may contribute to its high death rate. Mississippi’s approach to addressing this issue focuses more on mental health initiatives and crime prevention rather than gun control measures.
