Gun Violence in the U.S 2025
Gun violence remains one of the most pressing public health crises facing the United States in 2025. The scope and magnitude of this epidemic continues to impact communities across the nation, with firearm-related deaths claiming tens of thousands of lives annually. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States experiences one firearm-related death every 11 minutes, making it a leading cause of death among multiple age groups. This staggering frequency underscores the urgent need for comprehensive understanding and evidence-based solutions to address this complex societal challenge.
The current landscape of gun violence in America reflects both tragic consistency and evolving patterns. While recent data shows some areas of modest improvement, the overall numbers remain at historically high levels. The 2023 CDC provisional data indicates that 46,728 people died from firearms, representing the third-highest number of gun-related deaths ever recorded in United States history. This comprehensive analysis examines the latest government statistics, demographic breakdowns, and emerging trends that define the current state of gun violence across American communities in 2025.
Gun Violence Statistics & Facts in the US 2025
| Gun Violence Fact | 2023 Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Total Gun Deaths | 46,728 | CDC |
| Gun Death Rate (per 100k) | 14.2 | CDC |
| Gun Suicides | 27,300 (58%) | CDC |
| Gun Homicides | 17,927 (38%) | CDC |
| Law Enforcement Deaths | 604 | CDC |
| Accidental Deaths | 463 | CDC |
| Daily Gun Deaths | 128 | CDC |
| Men Victims | 86% | CDC |
| Leading Cause Ages 1-19 | Yes | CDC |
| Economic Cost (Annual) | $280+ Billion | CDC |
| Mass Shooting Deaths | 722 | Pew Research |
| Hospital Emergency Visits | 76,000+ | CDC |
The statistical reality of gun violence in the United States reveals the multifaceted nature of this public health crisis. These numbers represent not just data points, but real families, communities, and lives forever altered by firearm violence. The 58% suicide rate among gun deaths highlights the critical intersection between mental health resources and firearm access, while the 38% homicide rate reflects the ongoing challenges of interpersonal violence and community safety. The fact that firearms represent the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1-19 demonstrates the particular vulnerability of young Americans to gun violence.
These statistics underscore several critical aspects of the current gun violence landscape. The daily rate of 128 deaths means that every single day in America, more than four complete classrooms worth of people lose their lives to firearms. The overwhelming 86% male victim rate points to gender-specific patterns in both perpetration and victimization. Additionally, the $280+ billion annual economic cost reflects not only immediate medical expenses and lost productivity, but also long-term societal impacts including trauma treatment, criminal justice costs, and reduced quality of life in affected communities.
Gun Violence Statistics by Year in the US 2025 (Last 10 Years)
| Year | Total Deaths | Rate per 100k | Suicides | Homicides | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 33,599 | 10.5 | 21,386 | 11,008 | Baseline |
| 2015 | 36,252 | 11.3 | 22,018 | 12,979 | +7.9% |
| 2016 | 38,658 | 11.9 | 22,938 | 14,415 | +6.6% |
| 2017 | 39,773 | 12.2 | 23,854 | 14,542 | +2.9% |
| 2018 | 39,740 | 12.2 | 24,432 | 13,958 | -0.1% |
| 2019 | 39,707 | 12.2 | 23,941 | 14,414 | -0.1% |
| 2020 | 45,222 | 13.6 | 24,292 | 19,384 | +13.9% |
| 2021 | 48,830 | 14.8 | 26,328 | 20,958 | +8.0% |
| 2022 | 48,204 | 14.5 | 27,032 | 19,268 | -1.3% |
| 2023 | 46,728 | 14.2 | 27,300 | 17,927 | -3.1% |
Ten-year gun violence trends show a dramatic 39% increase from 2014 to 2023, with the 2023 rate of 13.7 per 100,000 being 8% lower than the 1993 peak but still representing historically high levels. The 2020-2021 surge coincided with pandemic-related social disruptions, economic stress, and reduced community violence intervention programs. 2020’s 13.9% increase represented the largest single-year jump in decades, followed by 2021’s additional 8% rise to reach 48,830 total deaths—the highest number ever recorded in American history.
Recent decline patterns show 2022 and 2023 experiencing modest decreases of 1.3% and 3.1% respectively, though these improvements still leave gun death rates 35% higher than 2014 levels. Suicide trends show consistent increases throughout the decade, rising 27.7% from 21,386 in 2014 to 27,300 in 2023. Homicide patterns demonstrate more volatility, with 2020-2021 reaching historic peaks before declining in recent years but remaining 63% higher than 2014 levels. The 2023 data marking the third-highest number of gun deaths ever recorded indicates that despite recent improvements, America continues experiencing a gun violence crisis requiring sustained intervention efforts.
Gun Violence Deaths by Type in the US 2025
| Death Type | 2023 Total | Percentage | Rate per 100k | Demographics Most Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suicide | 27,300 | 58.4% | 8.3 | White males, elderly, rural |
| Homicide | 17,927 | 38.3% | 5.4 | Black males, young adults, urban |
| Unintentional | 463 | 1.0% | 0.14 | Children, young adults |
| Legal Intervention | 604 | 1.3% | 0.18 | Young males, minorities |
| Undetermined | 434 | 0.9% | 0.13 | Various demographics |
| Mass Casualty Events | 722 | 1.5% | 0.22 | Public spaces, schools |
Gun death categorization reveals the predominant role of suicide in American gun violence, accounting for 58.4% of all firearm fatalities in 2023. This 27,300 suicide total represents a 3% increase from 2022, indicating that while homicide rates may be declining, self-inflicted gun deaths continue rising. Rural communities experience disproportionately high gun suicide rates, with white males over 45 representing the highest-risk demographic. The 85% lethality rate of firearm suicide attempts, compared to less than 5% for other methods, demonstrates why firearm access during mental health crises represents such critical intervention points.
Homicide patterns show 17,927 deaths representing 38.3% of gun fatalities, with a 14% decrease from 2022 levels. However, these deaths disproportionately impact Black Americans, who experience gun homicide rates 8 times higher than white Americans despite representing only 13% of the population. Young Black males ages 15-34 face particularly extreme risks, with some communities experiencing homicide rates exceeding 100 per 100,000. Unintentional deaths, while representing only 1% of gun fatalities, are almost entirely preventable through proper storage practices, yet 463 Americans died from accidental shootings in 2023, including 142 children under 15.
Gun Death Rates by Demographics in the US 2025
| Demographic Group | Homicide Rate | Suicide Rate | Most Affected Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Americans | Highest | Lower | 15-34 years |
| White Americans | Lower | Highest | 75+ years |
| Hispanic Americans | Elevated | Moderate | 15-34 years |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | Highest | Highest | All ages |
| Asian Americans | Lowest | Lowest | Varies |
| Men | 87% of injuries | Higher rates | 15-44 years |
| Women | 13% of injuries | Lower rates | 45+ years |
| Children (1-19) | Leading cause | Significant | 15-19 years |
The demographic breakdown of gun violence statistics reveals stark disparities that reflect broader systemic inequalities in American society. Black Americans face disproportionately high rates of gun homicide, with rates significantly exceeding other racial and ethnic groups, particularly among young adults aged 15-34. This disparity stems from complex factors including concentrated poverty, limited economic opportunities, and historical disinvestment in certain communities. Conversely, White Americans experience the highest rates of gun suicide, especially among older adults aged 75 and above, highlighting the intersection of firearm access, social isolation, and mental health challenges among elderly populations.
American Indian and Alaska Native populations face a unique and devastating burden, experiencing both the highest homicide and suicide rates across nearly all age groups. This reflects the compounding effects of historical trauma, geographic isolation, limited access to mental health services, and socioeconomic challenges on tribal lands and in urban Native communities. The fact that firearms represent the leading cause of death among children and teens across all demographic groups emphasizes that gun violence affects families regardless of background, though the specific risks and contributing factors may vary significantly by community context and available resources.
Gun Suicide Statistics in the US 2025
| Category | 2023 Data | Percentage | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Gun Suicides | 27,300 | 58% of all gun deaths | Stable |
| Male Victims | 22,100 | 81% | Consistent |
| Female Victims | 5,200 | 19% | Slight increase |
| Rural Areas | Higher rates | 65% above urban | Increasing |
| Elderly (75+) | Highest risk | 30% above average | Growing |
| Veterans | Elevated risk | 22 daily deaths | Concerning |
| Method Lethality | 85% fatal | Most lethal method | Unchanged |
Gun suicide statistics reveal the largest component of firearm deaths in America, representing 58% of all gun fatalities in 2023. The 27,300 gun suicides reflect not only individual tragedies but also systemic failures in mental health support systems and means restriction policies. The 85% fatality rate for firearm suicide attempts, compared to less than 5% for most other methods, demonstrates why firearm access during mental health crises represents such a critical risk factor. This lethality difference means that temporary restrictions on firearm access during crisis periods can be literally life-saving.
Rural communities bear a disproportionate burden of gun suicide, with rates 65% higher than urban areas. This disparity reflects multiple contributing factors including geographic isolation, limited mental health services, cultural stigma around seeking help, and higher rates of firearm ownership. Veterans face particularly elevated risks, with an estimated 22 veteran suicides daily, many involving firearms. The growing elderly suicide rate among those 75 and older reflects concerns about aging, health decline, social isolation, and end-of-life fears that intersect tragically with firearm availability.
Mass Shooting Incidents in the US 2025
| Mass Shooting Metric | 2023 Data | Comparison | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Deaths | 722 | 4% of gun homicides | Public spaces |
| Number of Incidents | 600+ | Varies by definition | Schools, workplaces |
| Average per Incident | 1.2 deaths | Lower than media perception | Community events |
| School Shootings | 180+ | Including all incidents | K-12, colleges |
| Workplace Violence | 75 incidents | Private/public sector | Offices, retail |
| Public Space Events | 145 incidents | Parks, streets, venues | Entertainment areas |
Mass shooting statistics represent a particularly visible and traumatizing aspect of gun violence, though they account for a relatively small percentage of overall firearm deaths. The 722 deaths in mass shooting incidents during 2023 represent approximately 4% of total gun homicides, yet their psychological and social impact extends far beyond these numbers. The challenge of tracking mass shootings stems from varying definitions—some organizations count incidents with 4+ deaths, others include injuries, and still others focus on public locations versus domestic incidents.
School shooting incidents continue to traumatize communities nationwide, with 180+ incidents reported in 2023 across K-12 schools and college campuses. However, most of these incidents involved few or no casualties, as the category includes any firearm discharge on school property. The psychological impact on students, families, and educators extends well beyond direct victims, contributing to anxiety, increased security measures, and disrupted learning environments. Workplace violence incidents and public space shootings similarly create ripple effects throughout communities, affecting sense of safety and normal daily activities even among those not directly involved.
Gun Violence Statistics by States in the US 2025
| State | Death Rate per 100k | Total Deaths (2023) | Primary Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | 28.6 | 850 | Homicide/Suicide |
| Louisiana | 26.3 | 1,220 | Homicide |
| Wyoming | 25.9 | 150 | Suicide |
| Missouri | 23.9 | 1,465 | Mixed |
| Alabama | 23.6 | 1,190 | Homicide/Suicide |
| Alaska | 23.5 | 172 | Suicide |
| New Mexico | 22.7 | 476 | Suicide |
| Arkansas | 22.6 | 683 | Mixed |
| Tennessee | 21.3 | 1,456 | Homicide |
| South Carolina | 21.0 | 1,088 | Homicide |
| Massachusetts | 3.7 | 255 | Homicide |
| Hawaii | 4.5 | 64 | Suicide |
State-level gun violence patterns reveal dramatic disparities across the United States, with death rates ranging from 28.6 per 100,000 in Mississippi to 3.7 per 100,000 in Massachusetts. Southern states dominate the highest-risk categories, with Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama experiencing rates nearly eight times higher than the safest states. These disparities reflect complex interactions of state firearm laws, cultural attitudes toward guns, poverty rates, rural healthcare access, and historical patterns of violence. Wyoming and Alaska demonstrate how rural states with high gun ownership can experience elevated suicide rates despite lower population density.
The geographic clustering of high gun death rates in the South and Mountain West reflects broader regional patterns in firearm policy, mental health infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. Louisiana’s 26.3 rate primarily stems from urban homicide concentrations in cities like New Orleans and Baton Rouge, while Wyoming’s 25.9 rate reflects rural suicide patterns common across sparsely populated Western states. Massachusetts and Hawaii represent the lowest-risk environments, benefiting from strict gun laws, comprehensive mental health systems, and lower baseline rates of interpersonal violence. These state-level differences demonstrate that policy environments and community resources significantly impact gun violence outcomes.
Regional Gun Violence Patterns in the US 2025
| Region | Death Rate per 100k | Primary Drivers | 2023 Trends |
|---|---|---|---|
| South | 16.8 | Homicide, suicide | Mixed changes |
| West | 13.5 | Suicide, homicide | Slight decline |
| Midwest | 12.4 | Urban homicide | Improving |
| Northeast | 8.9 | Urban violence | Stable |
| Rural Areas | 15.2 | Suicide predominant | Increasing |
| Urban Centers | 14.8 | Homicide focus | Variable |
| Suburban Areas | 9.1 | Mixed patterns | Stable |
Regional variations in gun violence reflect complex interactions of cultural, economic, and policy factors across different areas of the United States. The South’s elevated rate of 16.8 per 100,000 reflects both higher homicide rates in urban centers and elevated suicide rates in rural areas. Southern states typically have more permissive firearm laws, higher gun ownership rates, and greater cultural acceptance of firearms, contributing to overall higher rates of gun death. However, this regional pattern includes significant state-by-state and local variations.
Rural communities across all regions face particular challenges with suicide rates that significantly exceed urban areas. The 15.2 per 100,000 rate in rural areas reflects limited mental health resources, economic stress in agricultural communities, social isolation, and cultural barriers to seeking help. Urban centers experience concentrated homicide problems in specific neighborhoods, often related to poverty, drug markets, and limited economic opportunities. The Northeast’s lower overall rate reflects stricter gun laws, better mental health infrastructure, and different cultural attitudes toward firearms, though cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia still experience significant challenges.
Gun Violence Statistics by Age in the US 2025
| Age Group | 2023 Deaths | Rate per 100k | Primary Cause | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-4 years | 142 | 0.7 | Unintentional | 0.3% |
| 5-14 years | 387 | 0.9 | Homicide | 0.8% |
| 15-24 years | 7,685 | 17.8 | Homicide | 16.4% |
| 25-34 years | 8,932 | 19.5 | Homicide/Suicide | 19.1% |
| 35-44 years | 7,456 | 17.2 | Suicide | 15.9% |
| 45-54 years | 6,789 | 16.8 | Suicide | 14.5% |
| 55-64 years | 6,234 | 14.3 | Suicide | 13.3% |
| 65-74 years | 4,567 | 13.1 | Suicide | 9.8% |
| 75+ years | 4,536 | 19.2 | Suicide | 9.7% |
Age-specific gun violence patterns reveal distinct risk profiles across different life stages, with young adults ages 15-34 accounting for 35.5% of all gun deaths despite representing only 27% of the population. The peak risk period of ages 25-34 experiences 19.5 deaths per 100,000, reflecting the dangerous intersection of homicide and suicide risks during prime adult years. Teenagers and young adults (15-24) face predominantly homicide risks, with 17.8 deaths per 100,000 primarily from community violence, gang involvement, and interpersonal conflicts during critical developmental periods.
Elderly populations present a different but equally concerning pattern, with adults 75 and older experiencing 19.2 deaths per 100,000, almost entirely from suicide. This elderly suicide crisis reflects social isolation, health decline, financial stress, and limited mental health resources specifically designed for older adults. Middle-aged adults (35-64) show consistently elevated suicide rates across all age brackets, indicating sustained mental health challenges during peak career and family responsibility years. The low rates among children under 15 primarily involve unintentional shootings and family violence, representing almost entirely preventable tragedies through safe storage and domestic violence intervention.
Youth Gun Violence in the US 2025
| Age Group | 2023 Deaths | Leading Causes | Prevention Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ages 1-4 | 142 | Unintentional | Safe storage |
| Ages 5-9 | 89 | Unintentional, homicide | Access prevention |
| Ages 10-14 | 298 | Suicide, homicide | Mental health |
| Ages 15-19 | 3,908 | Homicide, suicide | Violence intervention |
| School Settings | 51 deaths | Active shooters | Security measures |
| Community Violence | 2,847 | Street violence | Community programs |
| Domestic Settings | 743 | Family violence | Family services |
Youth gun violence represents one of the most tragic aspects of the broader crisis, with firearms being the leading cause of death for children and teens ages 1-19 in the United States. The 3,908 deaths among 15-19 year-olds in 2023 reflect the particular vulnerability of older teenagers to both homicide and suicide. Community violence accounts for the largest share of youth gun deaths, often involving young people as both victims and perpetrators in cycles of violence that devastate neighborhoods and families.
Unintentional shootings among younger children, while less frequent, are almost entirely preventable through proper firearm storage practices. The 142 deaths among children ages 1-4 typically involve unsecured firearms in homes, often discovered during play. School-based incidents, while representing a smaller portion of overall youth gun deaths, have profound psychological impacts on entire communities. The 51 school shooting deaths in 2023 occurred across various settings, from elementary schools to universities, each incident traumatizing thousands of students, families, and educators who may never feel completely safe in educational environments again.
Firearm Homicide Trends in the US 2025
| Year | Total Homicides | Rate Change | Regional Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19,411 | Peak year | Urban areas highest |
| 2022 | 19,268 | -0.7% | Southern states lead |
| 2023 | 17,927 | -14% | Midwest decline |
| 2024 (Jan-Aug) | 11,900 (est.) | -5% | Western stabilization |
Firearm homicide trends in recent years show a complex pattern of increases followed by gradual decreases. The 14% decline in 2023 represents the most significant year-over-year reduction in gun homicides since 2017, offering some hope amid the broader crisis. However, this decrease still leaves homicide rates substantially elevated compared to pre-2020 levels. The 2021 peak of 19,411 homicides coincided with the social and economic disruptions of the pandemic period, including increased unemployment, social isolation, and disrupted community violence intervention programs.
Regional variations in gun homicide patterns reflect diverse local factors including population density, economic conditions, and policy environments. Southern states continue to experience disproportionately high rates, while several Midwest cities have implemented successful violence intervention programs contributing to measurable decreases. The estimated 5% decline in early 2024 data suggests the downward trend may be continuing, though experts caution that seasonal variations and incomplete reporting make definitive assessments challenging until complete annual data becomes available.
Firearm Injury Survivors in the US 2025
| Survivor Category | Annual Numbers | Long-term Impact | Recovery Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Nonfatal Injuries | 76,000+ | Physical disabilities | Medical costs |
| Emergency Visits | 115,000 | Traumatic brain injury | Rehabilitation needs |
| Hospital Admissions | 28,000 | Spinal cord injury | Accessibility modifications |
| Assault Victims | 70% | PTSD diagnosis | Mental health support |
| Unintentional Injuries | 18% | Mobility limitations | Workplace accommodations |
| Suicide Attempts | 1% | Severe depression | Crisis intervention |
| Children Injured | 12,000 | Developmental impacts | Educational support |
Firearm injury survivors represent a substantial but often overlooked population affected by gun violence. The 76,000+ nonfatal injuries annually create lasting impacts that extend well beyond the initial incident. Hospital emergency departments treat approximately 115,000 firearm injuries yearly, though many victims require multiple visits for complications, infections, and ongoing care. The 70% assault victim rate among survivors reflects the intentional nature of most gun violence, creating additional trauma beyond physical injuries.
Long-term consequences for survivors include physical disabilities, chronic pain, mobility limitations, and traumatic brain injuries that may require lifelong care and support. Children who survive gun violence face particular challenges, including disrupted education, developmental delays, and higher rates of behavioral problems. The medical and rehabilitation costs for survivors often exceed those for fatalities, as treatment may continue for decades. Spinal cord injuries from gunshots frequently result in paralysis, requiring home modifications, specialized equipment, and long-term care that can cost millions of dollars over a lifetime.
Economic Impact of Gun Violence in the US 2025
| Cost Category | Annual Cost (Billions) | Per Incident | Total Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Medical Costs | $15.2 | $32,000 | Emergency, surgery |
| Lost Productivity | $165.8 | $1.4 million | Lifetime earnings |
| Criminal Justice | $38.4 | $82,000 | Police, courts, prison |
| Mental Health Services | $25.6 | $55,000 | PTSD, counseling |
| Security Measures | $35.2 | Varies | Schools, businesses |
| Total Economic Burden | $280.2 | $2.8 million | Per gun death |
The economic impact of gun violence extends far beyond immediate medical costs, creating a massive financial burden that affects every sector of American society. The $280.2 billion annual cost represents approximately $850 per American citizen each year, making gun violence one of the most expensive public health crises in the nation. Lost productivity costs of $165.8 billion reflect not only the tragic loss of life but also the years of economic contribution that victims would have made to their families and communities.
Direct medical costs of $15.2 billion include emergency department visits, trauma surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care for survivors. These immediate costs often bankrupt families and strain hospital resources, particularly in communities with high rates of gun violence. Criminal justice expenses of $38.4 billion encompass police investigations, court proceedings, incarceration, and parole supervision. The $25.6 billion spent on mental health services reflects both treatment for direct victims and the broader community trauma that extends to families, witnesses, first responders, and entire neighborhoods affected by ongoing violence.
Conclusion: Understanding Gun Violence in the US
The comprehensive examination of gun violence statistics in 2025 reveals both the persistent challenges and emerging patterns that define this ongoing public health crisis. With 46,728 firearm deaths in 2023 representing the third-highest total in American history, the data underscores that despite some areas of modest improvement, gun violence continues to claim lives at an unacceptable rate. The daily loss of 128 Americans to firearm violence means that every 11 minutes, another family experiences the devastating impact of gun death, whether through homicide, suicide, or accident.
These statistics represent more than numbers—they reflect a complex web of factors including mental health challenges, community violence, access to firearms, and inadequate prevention resources. The 58% suicide rate among gun deaths highlights the critical need for mental health support and means restriction during crisis periods. The state-level disparities ranging from 3.7 to 28.6 deaths per 100,000 demonstrate that policy environments and community resources significantly impact outcomes. Understanding these 2025 gun violence facts and statistics provides the foundation for informed policy discussions, community interventions, and prevention strategies tailored to address the diverse factors contributing to this crisis across different demographics, regions, and age groups nationwide.
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.
