Gun Ownership by State in United States April 2020

Gun ownership varies across the United States, with some states exhibiting significantly higher rates of firearm ownership than others. This analysis explores gun ownership data by state, providing insights into the percentage of adults living in households with firearms and examining the impact of local laws and culture.

States with the Highest Gun Ownership Rates

Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska lead the nation in firearm ownership, with over 60% of adults in these states living in households with firearms. These states have a strong gun culture, influenced by hunting traditions and personal defense practices.

Montana - 66.3%
Wyoming - 66.2%
Alaska - 64.5%

Gun Ownership in Southern U.S. States

Southern states like West Virginia, Arkansas, and Mississippi also rank high in gun ownership. The culture in these areas tends to be more supportive of gun rights, and firearms are commonly used for hunting, defense, and recreation.

West Virginia - 58.5%
Arkansas - 57.2%
Mississippi - 55.8%

Midwest and Western States with High Gun Ownership

States such as South Dakota, North Dakota, and Oklahoma also have notable gun ownership rates. These states, known for their rural landscapes and hunting culture, maintain high levels of firearms in households.

South Dakota - 55.3%
North Dakota - 55.1%
Oklahoma - 54.7%

States with the Lowest Gun Ownership Rates

On the other end of the spectrum, northeastern and coastal states such as Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York report the lowest percentages of adults living in households with firearms. These states often have stricter gun laws, which contribute to lower gun ownership rates.

Massachusetts - 14.7%
New Jersey - 14.7%
New York - 19.9%

Regional Differences in Gun Ownership Across the U.S.

The data reveals distinct regional patterns in gun ownership. The highest ownership rates are seen in rural states and areas with strong hunting traditions, while urban states and regions with stricter gun control laws tend to have lower rates of firearm ownership.

Impact of Gun Laws on Ownership Rates

States with more lenient gun laws, such as Montana and Wyoming, show higher gun ownership rates. In contrast, states like California, New York, and Illinois, with more restrictive regulations, report lower levels of firearm ownership.

How Gun Ownership Rates Reflect Cultural Attitudes

Cultural factors play a significant role in gun ownership. In states with strong traditions of hunting and gun ownership, such as Alaska and Texas, firearms are often considered an integral part of daily life and personal security.

Gun Ownership by State in United States April 2020 (% of Adult live in a household with a firearm, April 2020)

Source

Source

Show publisher information Show sources information

Latest Data

April 2020

More information

Segment

Publisher

Country

Previous Records

Rank	State / Province	% of Adult live in a household with a firearm
1	Montana	66.3
2	Wyoming	66.2
3	Alaska	64.5
4	Idaho	60.1
5	West Virginia	58.5
6	Arkansas	57.2
7	Mississippi	55.8
8	Alabama	55.5
9	South Dakota	55.3
10	North Dakota	55.1
11	Oklahoma	54.7
12	Kentucky	54.6
13	Louisiana	53.1
14	Tennessee	51.6
15	Oregon	50.8
16	Vermont	50.5
17	South Carolina	49.4
18	Georgia	49.2
19	Kansas	48.9
20	Missouri	48.8
21	Nevada	47.3
22	Maine	46.8
22	Utah	46.8
23	Arizona	46.3
24	New Mexico	46.2
25	North Carolina	45.8
26	Texas	45.7
27	Wisconsin	45.3
28	Nebraska	45.2
29	Colorado	45.1
30	Indiana	44.8
31	Virginia	44.6
32	Iowa	43.6
33	Minnesota	42.8
34	Washington	42.1
35	New Hampshire	41.1
36	Pennsylvania	40.7
37	Michigan	40.2
38	Ohio	40
39	Florida	35.3
40	Delaware	34.4
41	Maryland	30.2
42	California	28.3
43	Illinois	27.8
44	Connecticut	23.6
45	New York	19.9
46	Hawaii	14.9
47	Rhode Island	14.8
48	Massachusetts	14.7
48	New Jersey	14.7