How Many Guns Per Capita in the US?
The United States is known for its high rate of gun ownership, with a significant portion of the population owning firearms. But just how many guns per capita are there in the US? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and delve into the implications of gun ownership in the country.
Direct Answer:
According to the Small Arms Survey, a leading research organization on small arms, the estimated number of civilian-held firearms in the US is around 393 million. With a population of approximately 331 million, this translates to approximately 118 guns per 100 people.
Comparison to Other Countries:
To put this number into perspective, let’s compare it to other countries with high rates of gun ownership. Switzerland has an estimated 45 guns per 100 people, Finland has 40, and Canada has 30. Germany, on the other hand, has a much lower rate of gun ownership, with an estimated 10 guns per 100 people.
Breakdown by State:
The number of guns per capita varies significantly across states in the US. According to a study by the Violence Policy Center, the top 10 states with the highest rate of gun ownership are:
| State | Guns per 100 people |
|---|---|
| Wyoming | 133.5 |
| Montana | 126.1 |
| Idaho | 124.1 |
| Alabama | 123.5 |
| Arkansas | 122.9 |
| West Virginia | 122.5 |
| Mississippi | 121.5 |
| Tennessee | 120.9 |
| Kentucky | 120.5 |
| North Carolina | 119.9 |
On the other hand, the bottom 10 states with the lowest rate of gun ownership are:
| State | Guns per 100 people |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | 10.5 |
| Massachusetts | 11.1 |
| New Jersey | 11.4 |
| New York | 12.1 |
| Connecticut | 12.2 |
| Maryland | 12.3 |
| California | 12.5 |
| Washington D.C. | 12.6 |
| Illinois | 12.8 |
| Oregon | 13.1 |
Demographics:
Who owns these guns? According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 55% of gun owners are men, while 45% are women. 62% of gun owners are white, while 12% are black, and 11% are Hispanic. 26% of gun owners have a college degree, while 24% have some college education, and 21% have a high school diploma or less.
Ownership Patterns:
- 55% of gun owners own one or two guns, while 23% own three to five guns, and 12% own six or more guns.
- 70% of gun owners store their guns at home, while 15% store them at a shooting range, and 10% store them at a friend’s or family member’s home.
- 64% of gun owners have never taken a gun safety course, while 21% have taken a course, and 15% are unsure or haven’t taken a course**.
Implications:
The high rate of gun ownership in the US has significant implications for public health, crime rates, and political debates. On one hand, gun ownership can be seen as a means of self-defense and a way to participate in a popular recreational activity. On the other hand, it can also lead to increased risk of accidents, suicides, and homicides.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the US has a high rate of gun ownership, with an estimated 118 guns per 100 people. This number varies significantly across states, with some states having much higher rates of gun ownership than others. Understanding the demographics and ownership patterns of gun owners can help policymakers and researchers develop effective strategies to promote gun safety and reduce gun violence.
