Gun Laws and Firearm Fatalities - 2023 Edition
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December 8, 2025
The relationship between gun legislation and firearm mortality rates continues to evolve as a defining issue in American public safety. From metropolitan areas to rural communities, the intersection of firearm regulations and gun-related deaths reflects the complex realities of our nation's approach to gun safety and ownership.
Regarding firearm safety in the home, knowledge of national statistics and trends can equip you to make the best decisions for your family. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control, Giffords Law Center, and other leading research groups, we’ll shed some light on the intricate dynamics at play, uncovering potential associations between gun control measures and the heartbreaking toll of gun-related deaths. The data shows that firearm-related fatalities remain at historically high levels.
Firearm Death Statistics
Between 2001 and 2021, gun-related deaths in the United States increased by approximately 63 percent, making it one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. In 2021 alone, over 48,000 people died from firearm injuries according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), marking another year of elevated gun violence.
The rising gun deaths in America stem from various, complex factors. Lax gun laws, high gun ownership rates, widespread availability of semi-automatic weapons, and mental health issues all contribute to increased gun-related injury and death. Following the COVID lockdowns, gun violence elevated even as other crime categories began to decline.1
Additionally, domestic violence drives up the risk of firearm deaths. The presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide by 500 percent, necessitating stricter enforcement of firearm possession laws for those with restraining orders. Background check loopholes continue to enable prohibited purchasers to obtain firearms, with an estimated 22 percent of guns acquired without screening.
How many gun deaths are due to homicide and suicide?
In 2023, suicides continued to represent the majority of firearm deaths, accounting for 58 percent of all gun fatalities according to CDC data.2 This highlights the critical mental health component of America's gun violence crisis.
Firearm homicides comprised 41 percent of all gun deaths in 2023. This represents a slight decrease from the peak years of 2020-2021 but still reflects rates significantly higher than the previous decade.3
Intricately entwined with the discussion surrounding firearm deaths are the demographics of those most vulnerable. It’s important to recognize the distinct profiles of those who fall victim to suicide and homicide.
Men, in particular, are notably more susceptible to suicide, accounting for a significant proportion of these tragic deaths according to the CDC. The most at-risk age group tends to be older individuals, with middle-aged and older men disproportionately represented in this statistic. Guns accounted for the majority of suicides in people over 50 years old and over 70 percent of suicides in people over 70 years old.
The dynamics surrounding firearm-related homicides reflect a different facet of vulnerability. Younger individuals, particularly those in their late teens and early twenties, are more likely to become victims of homicide. The racial disparities in these statistics remain stark, with African American and Hispanic individuals facing significantly higher risks of falling victim to firearm-related homicides.
Firearm Ownership Rates by State
Recent research indicates that approximately 39 percent of American adults live in a household with at least one firearm. However, those rates vary drastically from state-to-state.
| Top 5 states for gun ownership | Percent of adults living in households with firearms | Bottom 5 states for gun ownership | Percent of adults living in households with firearms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 64% | Hawaii | 8% |
| Wyoming | 60% | New Jersey | 8% |
| Alaska | 59% | Massachusetts | 10% |
| West Virginia | 58% | Rhode Island | 11% |
| North Dakota | 55% | New York | 14% |
States such as Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska lead the nation with ownership rates exceeding 59 percent.
These predominantly rural states maintain strong hunting traditions and agricultural communities where firearms serve practical purposes beyond personal protection. The cultural significance of gun ownership in these regions extends through generations, with firearms often viewed as essential tools for rural living and wildlife management.
Conversely, states like Hawaii, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York have the lowest gun ownership rates. These states typically feature comprehensive gun control legislation and their urban populations generally have less practical need for firearms in daily life. Additionally, stronger social safety nets may reduce perceived needs for self-protection.
The intricate tapestry of firearm ownership rates across states underscores the deeply rooted connection between culture, lifestyle, and gun prevalence. As the nation grapples with high levels of firearm-related deaths, understanding the varying dynamics within each state can pave the way for more effective and tailored approaches to address this pressing issue.
Firearm Suicide Rates by State
The correlation between firearm availability and suicide rates continues to demonstrate a troubling pattern across American states. Studiesconfirm that states with higher household gun ownership consistently show elevated rates of firearm suicide, with statistical significance remaining robust (P < 0.001).
| Top 10 states | Rate per 100,000 residents | Total deaths caused by self-inflicted firearm injury |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | 23.7 | 137 |
| Montana | 21.6 | 239 |
| Alaska | 19.4 | 142 |
| New Mexico | 14.4 | 305 |
| Idaho | 13.8 | 262 |
| Oklahoma | 13.8 | 551 |
| North Dakota | 13.2 | 102 |
| Nevada | 13.1 | 413 |
| Arkansas | 12.9 | 391 |
| Colorado | 12.8 | 745 |
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database
Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska consistently rank in the unenviable position of having not only the highest rates of suicide by firearms but also boasting among the highest gun ownership rates in the nation. Geographic isolation in these states creates significant barriers to mental health care access, with some residents living hours from the nearest provider. Rural stigma around mental health treatment compounds these challenges. Cultural factors and substance abuse also add layers of complexity, further entwining the threads of despair.
The phenomenon of “deaths of despair” particularly affects these regions, where social isolation combines with limited economic opportunities. With firearm access increasing suicide completion rates, gun availability becomes a critical factor in these tragic outcomes.
| Bottom 10 states | Rate per 100,000 residents | Total deaths caused by self-inflicted firearm injury |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 1.9 | 136 |
| New Jersey | 2.1 | 195 |
| New York | 2.2 | 439 |
| Hawaii | 2.9 | 42 |
| Rhode Island | 3.3 | 36 |
| Connecticut | 3.4 | 122 |
| California | 4.0 | 1,575 |
| Maryland | 5.0 | 310 |
| Illinois | 5.2 | 656 |
| Minnesota | 6.9 | 393 |
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database
On the opposite end of the spectrum, states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Hawaii, and Rhode Island showcase significantly lower rates of firearm-related suicides and correspondingly lower levels of gun ownership. These states have implemented comprehensive gun safety measures including extreme risk protection orders, mandatory waiting periods, and universal background checks. This creates barriers between crisis moments and lethal means.
Gun Law Rigor and Death Rates
According to the Giffords Law Center's Gun Law Scorecard, the correlation between strong gun laws and lower death rates has become even more pronounced.5 States with strong gun laws experience over 60 percent lower gun death rates than those with weak gun laws.
Top-performing states have expanded their protective measures in recent years, demonstrating that comprehensive approaches save lives. Many of these states had lower gun-related death rates. These states have enacted many measures designed to protect citizens and restrict the potential for firearm-related deaths. The characteristics of A-grade states include:
- Comprehensive background checks are mandated for all firearm sales, closing loopholes that could allow dangerous individuals to acquire firearms.
- Rigorous license and permit requirements ensure only responsible individuals are granted the privilege of firearm ownership.
- Bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines minimize the potential for mass shootings and large-scale violence.
- Imposition of waiting periods on gun sales, introducing a cooling-off period to prevent impulsive acts of violence.
- Implementing red flag laws, enabling the temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.
- Stringent child access prevention laws or gun storage regulations safeguarding against accidental firearm use by minors.
- Domestic violence restrictions prohibit individuals with a history of domestic abuse from purchasing firearms.
- Regulations governing gun show sales prevent the evasion of background checks through such venues.
- Stricter regulations about open carry and concealed carry ensure responsible firearm possession and use.
F-grade states are on the opposite end of the spectrum, where the absence or limited scope of the regulations above amplifies the risk of firearm-related deaths. The stark contrast is evident in states like Arkansas, Mississippi, and Wyoming, which lack vital safety measures. Many states with weak laws have the following in common:
- Universal background checks are not mandated, allowing for gaps that can be exploited by those who shouldn't possess firearms.
- Gun owner licensing, an essential component of responsible ownership, is notably absent.
- Extreme risk protection orders are not established, eliminating a crucial tool for removing firearms from individuals in crisis.
- Domestic violence gun laws that could protect victims and prevent further tragedies are lacking.
- Measures such as assault weapon restrictions and bans on large-capacity magazines are conspicuously absent.
- Waiting periods that could potentially prevent impulsive acts of violence remain unimplemented.
- The regulatory framework for concealed and open carry is weak, potentially compromising public safety.
- No secure storage requirements exist to prevent unauthorized access, particularly by minors
Conclusion
The data from recent years paints a clear picture. States with comprehensive gun safety measures consistently demonstrate lower rates of firearm fatalities. While gun deaths remain unacceptably high nationwide, the disparity between states with strong versus weak gun laws has widened, offering evidence that policy interventions can save lives.
The path forward requires acknowledging both the constitutional rights of gun owners and the public health imperative to reduce preventable deaths. Evidence-based approaches — including universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and safe storage requirements — have proven effective without infringing on lawful gun ownership.
Demographics continue to reveal troubling disparities, with young Black men facing disproportionate homicide risks while older men show elevated suicide rates. These patterns demand targeted interventions that address the specific vulnerabilities of different communities.
While the facts may speak for themselves in the debate over gun violence, they don't necessarily point toward a catch-all solution. Until this solution is found, though, it's our duty to acknowledge the intricacies and practice responsible gun ownership at all times. Addressing the challenge of gun-related deaths will require a holistic approach involving mental health support, cultural sensitivity to each state, and evidence-based gun legislation.
Our Data
We relied on statistics from the Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics and National Vital Statistics System for 2001-2021 mortality rates via the CDC WONDER Online Database. Our analysis included the following ICD codes for cause of death:
- W32 (Handgun discharge)
- W33 (Rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge)
- W34 (Discharge from other and unspecified firearms)
- X72 (Intentional self-harm by handgun discharge)
- X73 (Intentional self-harm by rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge)
- X74 (Intentional self-harm by other and unspecified firearm discharge)
- X93 (Assault by handgun discharge)
- X94 (Assault by rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge)
- X95 (Assault by other and unspecified firearm discharge)
- Y22 (Handgun discharge, undetermined intent)
- Y23 (Rifle, shotgun and larger firearm discharge, undetermined intent)
- Y24 (Other and unspecified firearm discharge, undetermined intent)
- Y35.0 (Legal intervention involving firearm discharge)
We also incorporated 2024 analysis of gun law strength and death rates by state from Giffords Law Center [https://giffords.org/lawcenter/resources/scorecard/] and updated gun ownership rate estimates by state from the RAND Corporation's 2023 State-Level Estimates of Household Firearm Ownership. [https://www.rand.org/pubs/tools/TLA243-3.html]
Citations
- National Library of Medicine. (2023). Firearm Violence Surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Reopening Phenomenon.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9808419/ - John Hopkins University. (2025). New Report Highlights U.S. 2023 Gun Deaths: Suicide by Firearm at Record Levels for Third Straight Year.
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/new-report-highlights-us-2023-gun-deaths-suicide-by-firearm-at-record-levels-for-third-straight-year - John Hopkins University. (2025). Annual Gun Violence Data 2023.
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions/annual-gun-violence-data - Pew Research. (2025). What the data says about gun deaths in the U.S.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/03/05/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-us/ - Giffords Law Center. (2025). Annual Gun Law Scorecard®.
https://giffords.org/lawcenter/resources/scorecard/