Gun Ownership in the U.S. 2025
Gun ownership remains one of the most debated and closely monitored topics in American society. As we examine the landscape of firearm ownership in 2025, understanding the current statistics and trends becomes crucial for policymakers, researchers, and citizens alike. The United States continues to have one of the highest rates of civilian gun ownership globally, with an estimated 393 million civilian-owned firearms according to recent assessments by research institutions and government agencies.
The complexity of measuring gun ownership in America stems from the absence of a comprehensive national firearms registry, making precise counts challenging. However, through background check data from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), we can paint a detailed picture of gun ownership patterns across the United States. These sources provide the most reliable insights into ownership demographics, regional variations, and temporal trends that shape the current firearms landscape.
Statistics & Facts about Gun Ownership in the U.S. 2025
| Fact | Statistic | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total Gun Deaths in 2023 | 46,728 deaths | CDC |
| Gun Suicide Rate | 58% of all gun deaths | CDC |
| Gun Murder Rate | 38% of all gun deaths | CDC |
| Handgun Usage in Murders | 53% of gun murders | FBI |
| Active Shooter Incidents 2023 | 48 incidents | FBI |
| Gun Sales 2024 | 16.1 million | Industry Data |
| Background Checks Annual | Over 14 million | FBI NICS |
| Firearms per 100 Residents | 120.5 firearms | Research Estimates |
| States with Highest Death Rates | Mississippi (29.4 per 100k) | CDC |
| States with Lowest Death Rates | Massachusetts (3.7 per 100k) | CDC |
The data reveals significant patterns in American gun ownership and usage. Nearly 47,000 people died of gun-related injuries in the United States in 2023, according to the latest available statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This represents a slight decrease from previous years but remains among the highest annual totals on record. The statistics show that gun-related incidents continue to be a major public health concern, with suicides accounting for the majority of firearm deaths.
In 2023, 58% of all gun-related deaths in the U.S. were suicides (27,300), while 38% were murders (17,927). This distribution has remained relatively consistent over recent years, highlighting the complex nature of gun violence in America. The remaining deaths involved law enforcement actions, accidental shootings, and incidents with undetermined circumstances. Understanding these statistics is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies and informing policy discussions about firearm regulations and safety measures.
Gun Ownership Statistics by Year in the U.S. 2025
| Year | Total Gun Deaths | Gun Murder Rate (per 100k) | Gun Suicide Rate (per 100k) | Background Checks (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 48,830 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 38.9 |
| 2022 | 48,204 | 6.2 | 7.5 | 31.0 |
| 2023 | 46,728 | 5.6 | 7.6 | 28.8 |
| 2024 | Data Pending | Estimated 5.4 | Estimated 7.7 | 26.5 |
The temporal analysis of gun-related statistics reveals important trends in American firearm usage and violence patterns. Gun murders rose dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic but have declined substantially in more recent years. The number of gun murders fell from a record 20,958 in 2021 to 17,927 in 2023, a 14% decrease. This decline represents a significant shift from the pandemic-era spike in gun violence, suggesting that various factors including economic recovery, increased law enforcement efforts, and community intervention programs may be contributing to the reduction.
The background check data provides insights into gun purchasing trends, though it doesn’t directly correlate with ownership rates since checks are required for purchases from licensed dealers but not for private sales in many states. Gun sales fell to 16.1M in 2024, a 3.4% drop from 2023. This decrease continues a trend from the pandemic-era peaks when gun sales reached historic highs. The normalization of sales patterns suggests that the extraordinary circumstances of 2020-2021 have largely subsided, returning to more typical purchasing behaviors.
Gun Ownership Statistics by States in the U.S. 2025
| State | Gun Death Rate (per 100k) | Gun Murder Rate (per 100k) | Gun Suicide Rate (per 100k) | Estimated Ownership Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 29.4 | 17.6 | 11.8 | High |
| Louisiana | 28.3 | 17.2 | 11.1 | High |
| Alabama | 25.6 | 13.2 | 12.4 | High |
| Wyoming | 22.0 | 3.0 | 19.0 | Very High |
| Montana | 20.9 | 3.3 | 17.6 | Very High |
| Massachusetts | 3.7 | 1.8 | 1.9 | Low |
| New Jersey | 4.6 | 2.4 | 2.1 | Low |
| New York | 4.7 | 2.5 | 2.2 | Low |
| Rhode Island | 4.8 | 1.8 | 3.0 | Low |
| Hawaii | 4.9 | 1.5 | 3.4 | Very Low |
State-level variations in gun ownership and related violence reveal stark regional differences across the United States. The places with the highest total rates of gun-related deaths – counting murders, suicides and all other categories the CDC tracks – included the District of Columbia (30.6 per 100,000 people), Mississippi (29.4), Louisiana (28.3), Alabama (25.6) and New Mexico (25.3). These statistics reflect complex interactions between state gun laws, cultural attitudes toward firearms, economic conditions, and demographic factors.
The contrast between states is particularly striking when examining the lowest-rate states. The states with the lowest total rates included Massachusetts (3.7), New Jersey (4.6), New York (4.7), Rhode Island (4.8) and Hawaii (4.9). Wyoming led per capita sales, while Washington saw a 45.7% decline due to new legislation. This demonstrates how state-level policy changes can significantly impact gun purchasing patterns and potentially influence ownership rates and related outcomes.
Gun Ownership Statistics by Age in the U.S. 2025
| Age Group | Ownership Rate | Household with Guns | Primary Reasons for Ownership | Safety Course Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-29 | 22% | 31% | Protection, Sport | 45% |
| 30-49 | 32% | 42% | Protection, Hunting | 58% |
| 50-64 | 35% | 46% | Protection, Hunting, Sport | 67% |
| 65+ | 31% | 41% | Protection, Collecting | 72% |
Age demographics play a significant role in gun ownership patterns across the United States. Younger adults typically show lower ownership rates, which may reflect various factors including economic constraints, urbanization trends, and changing cultural attitudes toward firearms. The 30-49 age group shows the highest ownership rates, likely corresponding to peak earning years, family formation, and heightened security concerns.
The data indicates that protection remains the primary motivation for gun ownership across all age groups, reflecting Americans’ concerns about personal and home security. Older adults show higher rates of safety course completion, suggesting either greater emphasis on training in previous generations or accumulated experience over time. Hunting remains more prevalent among older demographics, while sport shooting shows broader appeal across age groups. These patterns influence policy discussions about training requirements, safe storage laws, and youth access to firearms.
Gun Ownership Statistics by Gender in the U.S. 2025
| Gender | Personal Ownership Rate | Household with Guns | Primary Firearm Type | Concealed Carry Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 39% | 50% | Handgun/Rifle | 18% |
| Female | 22% | 50% | Handgun | 12% |
| Overall Average | 30% | 50% | Handgun | 15% |
According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, men were more likely than women to either personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household. The gender gap in personal ownership remains significant, with men showing nearly double the ownership rate of women. However, when considering household ownership, the rates equalize, suggesting that many women live in homes with firearms even if they don’t personally own them.
The preference for handguns across both genders reflects their versatility for personal protection, which consistently ranks as the top reason for firearm ownership. The growing trend of female gun ownership, while still below male rates, represents an important demographic shift in the firearms community. Women’s participation in concealed carry programs has increased substantially over the past decade, indicating growing interest in personal protection among female gun owners. This trend has implications for firearms training programs, product design, and policy considerations related to concealed carry regulations.
Gun Violence and Safety Statistics in the U.S. 2025
| Category | 2023 Statistics | Trend | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Gun Deaths | 46,728 | Decreasing | Reduced Murders |
| Firearm Suicides | 27,300 | Increasing | Mental Health Crisis |
| Firearm Homicides | 17,927 | Decreasing | Law Enforcement Efforts |
| Mass Shooting Deaths | 722 | Variable | Definition Dependent |
| Accidental Deaths | 463 | Stable | Safety Education |
Though they tend to get less public attention than gun-related murders, suicides have long accounted for the majority of U.S. gun deaths. This pattern continues to be the most significant component of gun violence statistics, highlighting the intersection between firearms access and mental health concerns. The 14% decrease in gun murders from 2021 to 2023 represents a positive trend, though suicide rates continue climbing.
In 2023, the most recent year for which the FBI has published data, handguns were involved in 53% of the 13,529 U.S. gun murders and non-negligent manslaughters for which data is available. This statistic underscores the role of easily concealed firearms in violent crime, while also noting that the majority of legally owned handguns are never used in crimes. The complexity of gun violence requires multifaceted approaches addressing mental health, criminal justice, and responsible ownership practices.
Firearms Manufacturing and Commerce Statistics in the U.S. 2025
| Manufacturing Category | 2023 Production | 2024 Estimates | Market Share | Export Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Firearms Manufactured | 11.2 million | 10.8 million | 100% | 431,000 |
| Handguns | 5.6 million | 5.2 million | 48% | 185,000 |
| Rifles | 3.8 million | 3.9 million | 36% | 156,000 |
| Shotguns | 1.2 million | 1.1 million | 10% | 62,000 |
| Other/Misc | 0.6 million | 0.6 million | 6% | 28,000 |
More than 512 million firearms have been produced for the U.S. market since 1899, according to analysis of historical ATF data. The firearms manufacturing industry remains a significant component of American commerce, with domestic production meeting the majority of consumer demand. Recent ATF data shows that between 2017 and 2023, federal licensees transferred at least 106,763,004 firearms to the public, demonstrating the substantial volume of legal gun sales through licensed dealers.
The manufacturing data reveals important trends in consumer preferences and market dynamics. Handgun production continues to dominate the market, reflecting their popularity for personal protection and concealed carry. The slight decline in overall production from 2023 to 2024 estimates follows the pattern of normalization after pandemic-era spikes. Export data shows that American firearms manufacturers maintain a significant presence in international markets, with 431,000 firearms exported in 2023, contributing to the domestic firearms industry’s economic impact while also reflecting global demand for American-made firearms.
Federal Firearms License (FFL) Statistics in the U.S. 2025
| License Type | Number of Licenses | Annual Inspections | Compliance Rate | New Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 01 (Dealers) | 78,324 | 15,200 | 94% | 8,950 |
| Type 02 (Pawnbrokers) | 7,856 | 1,580 | 91% | 785 |
| Type 03 (Collectors) | 61,789 | 2,100 | 97% | 5,200 |
| Type 07 (Manufacturers) | 12,045 | 3,800 | 89% | 1,890 |
| Type 08 (Importers) | 1,234 | 985 | 92% | 145 |
| Total FFLs | 161,248 | 23,665 | 93% | 16,970 |
The Federal Firearms License system serves as the backbone of legal firearms commerce in the United States. The ATF’s Federal Firearms Licensing Center (FFLC) issues and renews federal firearms licenses (FFL) in accordance with the Gun Control Act of 1968. The data shows a robust network of licensed dealers across all categories, with Type 01 dealers representing the largest segment of the FFL community and serving as the primary point of sale for most civilian firearm purchases.
Compliance rates across license types remain high, with Type 03 collectors showing the highest compliance rate at 97%. This reflects the relatively straightforward nature of collector activities compared to commercial operations. The 16,970 new applications in 2024 indicate continued interest in entering the firearms business, though this represents a slight decline from pandemic-era peaks when gun sales surged. Regular inspections by ATF help ensure compliance with federal regulations and maintain the integrity of the firearms distribution system.
Concealed Carry Permit Statistics in the U.S. 2025
| State | Permit Holders | Percentage of Adults | Constitutional Carry | Reciprocity Agreements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 2,560,000 | 15.8% | No | 38 states |
| Texas | 1,870,000 | 8.9% | Yes | 41 states |
| Pennsylvania | 1,456,000 | 14.2% | No | 32 states |
| Indiana | 985,000 | 23.1% | Yes | 35 states |
| Alabama | 812,000 | 20.5% | Yes | 37 states |
| Georgia | 743,000 | 9.1% | Yes | 33 states |
| North Carolina | 687,000 | 8.6% | No | 29 states |
| Colorado | 654,000 | 17.7% | No | 28 states |
The figure now stands at 22.01 million – a 2.3% increase since last year for total concealed carry permit holders nationwide. However, this number doesn’t capture the full picture of concealed carry in America because twenty-seven states have adopted Constitutional Carry for their entire state, meaning that a permit is no longer required. This significant shift in state laws means that millions of Americans can legally carry concealed firearms without obtaining permits.
Indiana has the highest concealed carry rate — 23.1%. Alabama is second with 20.5%, and Colorado is third with 17.7%. These high percentages reflect strong cultural support for armed self-defense in these states. The reciprocity agreements between states create a complex legal framework where permit holders can carry across state lines in many cases, though the specific terms vary. As of early 2025, 29 states in the United States allow individuals to carry firearms without a permit, representing a major expansion of gun rights over the past decade.
Background Check and NICS Statistics in the U.S. 2025
| Check Type | 2023 Total | 2024 Total | Change | Average per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total NICS Checks | 28,840,000 | 26,500,000 | -8.1% | 2.2 million |
| Handgun Checks | 13,950,000 | 12,800,000 | -8.2% | 1.07 million |
| Long Gun Checks | 8,720,000 | 8,100,000 | -7.1% | 675,000 |
| Permit Checks | 4,890,000 | 4,200,000 | -14.1% | 350,000 |
| Other Checks | 1,280,000 | 1,400,000 | +9.4% | 117,000 |
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) provides crucial data on firearm purchase trends, though it’s important to note that background checks don’t directly correlate with gun sales since some checks don’t result in purchases and some states use permits for multiple purchases. The 8.1% decline in total checks from 2023 to 2024 continues the trend of normalization following the pandemic-era surge in gun purchases.
Handgun checks continue to represent the largest category, accounting for approximately 48% of all NICS checks. This reflects the continued popularity of handguns for personal protection and concealed carry. The 14.1% decrease in permit checks may reflect the expansion of constitutional carry laws, reducing the need for concealed carry permits in many states. The 9.4% increase in “other” checks includes categories like pawn shop redemptions and transfers, suggesting continued activity in secondary markets.
Firearm Types and Market Preferences in the U.S. 2025
| Firearm Category | Market Share | Average Price | Popular Calibers | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Auto Pistols | 42% | $650 | 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP | Protection, Sport |
| Revolvers | 8% | $580 | .38 Special, .357 Mag | Protection, Hunting |
| Semi-Auto Rifles | 28% | $980 | .223/5.56, .308 | Sport, Hunting |
| Bolt-Action Rifles | 12% | $750 | .308, .30-06, 6.5 CM | Hunting, Sport |
| Shotguns | 10% | $520 | 12 ga, 20 ga | Hunting, Sport |
Market preferences in firearms reflect both practical considerations and recreational interests. Semi-automatic pistols dominate the market with 42% market share, driven by their versatility for personal protection and competitive shooting. The 9mm caliber remains the most popular handgun cartridge due to its balance of effectiveness, manageable recoil, and ammunition availability. The average price of $650 for semi-auto pistols reflects the range from budget options to premium models.
Semi-automatic rifles represent 28% of the market, with the .223/5.56 caliber being extremely popular due to its use in the AR-15 platform and similar rifles. These firearms serve multiple roles including sport shooting, hunting, and home defense. The higher average price of $980 reflects the more complex manufacturing requirements and features typically found in modern sporting rifles. Shotguns maintain a steady 10% market share, primarily driven by hunting and clay sports applications.
Crime Gun Trace Statistics in the U.S. 2025
| Trace Category | 2023 Data | 2024 Estimates | Average Time to Crime | Top Source States |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Traces | 325,400 | 318,000 | 8.6 years | GA, TX, FL, VA |
| Handgun Traces | 245,800 | 240,000 | 7.8 years | GA, TX, FL |
| Rifle Traces | 45,600 | 44,000 | 11.2 years | TX, GA, PA |
| Shotgun Traces | 18,200 | 17,500 | 12.4 years | TX, FL, GA |
| Other/Unknown | 15,800 | 16,500 | 9.1 years | Various |
ATF’s firearms tracing data provides insights into the illegal firearms market and trafficking patterns. The 8.6-year average time to crime for all firearms indicates that many crime guns have been in circulation for significant periods before being recovered by law enforcement. This “time to crime” metric is important for understanding how quickly firearms move from legal to illegal markets.
Handguns account for approximately 75% of all traced firearms, consistent with their predominance in violent crime statistics. The shorter 7.8-year average time to crime for handguns compared to long guns may reflect their higher demand in illegal markets due to their concealability. The top source states for traced firearms often reflect states with larger populations and higher firearms production or distribution, though interstate trafficking patterns also play a significant role in determining where crime guns originate.
National Firearms Act (NFA) Items Statistics in the U.S. 2025
| NFA Category | Registered Items | 2024 New Registrations | Tax Revenue | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silencers/Suppressors | 4,867,000 | 485,000 | $97 million | 8-12 months |
| Short Barreled Rifles | 1,245,000 | 125,000 | $25 million | 8-12 months |
| Short Barreled Shotguns | 156,000 | 12,000 | $2.4 million | 8-12 months |
| Machine Guns | 234,718 | 0 | $0 | N/A |
| Destructive Devices | 45,600 | 3,200 | $640,000 | 8-12 months |
| Any Other Weapon | 89,300 | 5,800 | $1.16 million | 8-12 months |
Silencers now account from 83% of all National Firearms Act-regulated manufacturing, representing a dramatic shift in NFA item popularity over the past decade. The surge in suppressor ownership reflects growing awareness of their hearing protection benefits and increased acceptance by both hunters and sport shooters. The $97 million in tax revenue from suppressors alone demonstrates their significant contribution to federal firearms revenue.
As of June 2025, of the total number of machineguns in the NFRTR, the number of machineguns that are registered in the NFRTR that are transferable to a private individual or between private individuals is approximately 234,718. This number represents the finite supply of transferable machine guns available to civilians, as no new machine guns have been registered for civilian ownership since 1986. The 8-12 month processing time for NFA items reflects the thorough background check and approval process required for these heavily regulated items.
Economic Impact of Firearms Industry in the U.S. 2025
| Economic Metric | 2023 Data | 2024 Estimates | Employment | Tax Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Industry Output | $28.6 billion | $27.8 billion | 342,000 jobs | $7.5 billion |
| Manufacturing | $16.8 billion | $16.2 billion | 145,000 jobs | $3.8 billion |
| Retail Sales | $8.9 billion | $8.7 billion | 128,000 jobs | $2.4 billion |
| Accessories/Ammo | $2.9 billion | $2.9 billion | 69,000 jobs | $1.3 billion |
The firearms industry represents a significant sector of American manufacturing and retail commerce. The $28.6 billion in total industry output for 2023 includes manufacturing, distribution, and retail sales across all segments of the firearms market. The 342,000 jobs supported by the industry span manufacturing workers, retail employees, and associated service providers throughout the supply chain.
The slight decline in estimates for 2024 reflects the normalization of demand following pandemic-era peaks, though the industry remains economically robust. Tax revenue of $7.5 billion includes federal excise taxes, state and local sales taxes, and income taxes from industry employees. This substantial tax contribution supports various government programs including wildlife conservation through the Pittman-Robertson Act, which dedicates excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to wildlife habitat preservation and hunter education programs.
International Comparison of Gun Ownership in 2025
| Country | Guns per 100 Residents | Gun Death Rate | Licensing Requirements | Storage Laws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 120.5 | 13.7 | Background Checks | Varies by State |
| Canada | 34.7 | 2.1 | License Required | Mandatory Safe Storage |
| Australia | 14.5 | 1.0 | License + Registration | Mandatory Safe Storage |
| Germany | 19.6 | 0.9 | License + Testing | Mandatory Safe Storage |
| United Kingdom | 4.6 | 0.2 | Strict Licensing | Police Inspection |
| Japan | 0.3 | 0.02 | Extreme Restrictions | Police Storage |
The United States maintains the highest rate of civilian gun ownership globally, with an estimated 120.5 firearms per 100 residents. This figure significantly exceeds other developed nations and reflects the unique constitutional protections and cultural attitudes toward firearms in America. The comparison also illustrates the relationship between gun availability and gun death rates, though multiple factors including socioeconomic conditions, law enforcement effectiveness, and healthcare systems influence these outcomes.
International licensing and storage requirements vary dramatically, with most developed nations requiring some form of licensing, training, or testing before firearm ownership. The United States relies primarily on point-of-sale background checks rather than licensing schemes, and storage requirements vary significantly by state. These policy differences contribute to the varying rates of gun ownership and related outcomes across different countries.
Regional Trends and Policy Impacts in the U.S. 2025
The geographic distribution of gun ownership and related outcomes reflects the complex interplay between state and local policies, cultural factors, and demographic characteristics. States with more restrictive gun laws generally show lower rates of gun deaths, while states with more permissive laws often correlate with higher ownership rates and varied outcomes. However, these relationships involve multiple variables including urbanization, economic conditions, and law enforcement resources.
Recent legislative changes in various states continue to shape the firearms landscape. Some states have implemented expanded background check requirements, assault weapon restrictions, and extreme risk protection orders, while others have moved toward constitutional carry and reduced restrictions on concealed carry. These policy variations create a patchwork of regulations that influences interstate commerce, law enforcement cooperation, and legal compliance for gun owners who travel between states.
The data demonstrates that effective gun violence prevention requires evidence-based approaches that address the diverse factors contributing to different types of gun deaths. Suicide prevention efforts must focus on mental health resources and means restriction, while homicide prevention strategies emphasize community violence intervention and criminal justice reforms. Accidental death prevention relies on education, safe storage practices, and technology improvements in firearm design.
Conclusion
The landscape of gun ownership in the United States in 2025 reflects both continuities and changes from previous years. While overall gun deaths have decreased from pandemic-era peaks, the underlying patterns of firearm violence remain complex and multifaceted. The 46,728 gun deaths in 2023 represent a significant public health challenge that requires sustained attention from policymakers, researchers, and communities.
The comprehensive data presented reveals an industry worth $28.6 billion annually, supporting 342,000 jobs while serving millions of law-abiding gun owners. With over 22 million concealed carry permit holders and an estimated 512 million firearms in circulation since 1899, firearms remain deeply embedded in American society. The 161,248 Federal Firearms License holders facilitate legal commerce while ATF oversight helps ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
