We recently compiled a report on the 20 states with the most guns per capita in the US and in this article we will look at the state that ranked at the top.
The United States is one of the most unique countries in the world, as its constitution explicitly allows the population to own firearms. As a result, a significant number of Americans own guns, making the US the country with the highest number of civilian-owned firearms. India, with a population of 1.44 billion, ranks a distant second to the US in firearm ownership, with 71 million guns in civilian hands. Gun sales in the United States have consistently remained high despite regulatory measures, such as the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, enforced by state and federal authorities.
The Firearm Market
The global firearms industry was valued at $41.7 billion in 2023. Although the market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 6% from 2024 to 2032, stringent regulations by governments worldwide regarding gun ownership could hinder market growth. However, increasing political unrest and cross-border conflicts have fueled the demand for guns and accessories in the US. For example, shares of major gunmakers, such as Sturm, Ruger & Company, and Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:SWBI), surged on July 15 following an assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
Gun sales reached unprecedented highs in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic and social upheaval following the death of George Floyd. Consequently, the stock prices of gun makers surged, with shares of Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:SWBI) hitting all-time highs near the $35 mark. By 2022, the market appeared to bottom out as sales declined to approximately 17.4 million total guns, down from nearly 22.7 million during the pandemic. However, gun makers remain confident about future sales. In its FQ4 2024 earnings call, Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:SWBI) reported over $159 million in net sales, nearly a 10% increase from the same quarter last year. “While the summer months will be highly competitive as we navigate the traditionally slower season for firearms,” said President and CEO Mark Smith, “we continue to expect healthy demand overall for firearms in fiscal year 2025, and Smith & Wesson is well positioned to deliver another solid year of growth.”
Gun Violence: A Uniquely American Problem
On average, 120 Americans die each day from gun-related incidents, including suicides and homicides, totaling approximately 43,375 deaths per year. From 2015 to 2019, the US gun homicide rate was 26 times higher than that of other high-income countries, and its gun suicide rate was nearly 12 times higher. Mass shootings, defined as attacks where at least four people are injured or killed excluding the shooter, have been increasing since 2015, reaching a peak of 686 incidents in 2021. Despite the staggering toll, the political debate over preventing guns from falling into the hands of those who may harm themselves or others remains highly contentious. In addition, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), signed by President Bush in 2005, protects firearm manufacturers against lawsuits filed by cities or individuals affected by the manufacturers’ or retailers’ dangerous business practices. However, in 2022, Congress reached a deal on limited gun reforms for the first time in nearly 30 years, prompted by the tragic elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the deadliest school shooting since 2012.
As the November election approaches, The United States’ complex and storied relationship with firearms is set to take center stage. The two major presidential candidates have significantly different stances on firearm rights, which are crucial to voters’ perceptions of safety. For many Americans, stringent gun control laws are essential for their safety, while for others, expanding access to firearms enhances their sense of security. Due to the vast size of the United States, imposing regulatory control on firearm ownership poses a significant challenge for the federal government.
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Our Methodology
In this article, we have listed the top 20 states with the most guns per capita. To compile our data, we referenced a published report by Ammo.com, which provides state-level estimates of household firearm ownership as of 2024, offering a useful measure of gun ownership within each population. The states are ranked in ascending order based on guns per capita. Additionally, we incorporated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on firearm mortality by state, using the most recent data available from 2022, detailing the number of deaths caused by firearms.
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The State with the Most Guns Per Capita in the US
1. Wyoming
Guns Per Capita: 245.8
Gun Deaths per 100,000 People: 20.4
Despite being the least populated state in the United States, Wyoming tops the list as the state with the most guns per capita, with 245.8 firearms for every 1,000 residents. Known for its wide-open spaces, mountains, and Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming is the 10th-largest state in the country. It remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
Curious to learn about other states with high gun ownership rates? Check out our report on the 20 states with the most guns per capita in the US.
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