The share of American households owning at least one firearm has remained relatively steady since 1972, hovering between 37 percent and 47 percent. In 2023, about 42 percent of U.S. households had at least one gun in their possession.

Additional information on firearms in the United States

Firearms command a higher degree of cultural significance in the United States than any other country in the world. Since the inclusion of the right to bear arms in the second amendment to the constitution of the United States, firearms have held symbolic power beyond their already obvious material power. Despite many Americans being proud gun-owners, a large movement exists within the country in opposition to the freedom afforded to those in possession of these potentially deadly weapons.

Those opposed to current gun regulation have sourced their anger from the large number of deaths due to firearms in the country, as well as the high frequency of gun violence apparent in comparison the other developed countries. Furthermore, the United States has fallen victim to a number of mass shootings in the last two decades most of which have raised questions over the ease at which a person can obtain a firearm. Although this movement holds a significant position in the public political discourse of the United States, meaningful change in regards to the legislation dictating the ownership of firearms has not occurred. Critics have pointed to the influence possessed by the National Rifle Association through their lobbying of public officials. The National Rifle Association also lobby for the interests of firearm manufacturing in the United States which has continued to rise since a fall in the early 2000s.

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. At this time, 41 percent of American men personally owned a firearm, compared to 20 percent of women.

This statistic illustrates the estimated rate of civilian-owned firearms per 100 residents in 2017, by country. In that year, there were an estimated 120.5 civilian-owned firearms per 100 residents in the United States.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, Americans aged 55 years old and above were more likely to personally own a gun than their counterparts in other age groups. At this time, 36 percent of Americans aged 55 years old and over personally owned a firearm, compared to 22 percent of those aged 18 to 34 years old, and 31 percent of those aged between 35 and 54 years old.

The statistic shows the percentage of population in the United States owning one or more firearms in 2017, by region. In 2017, about 36 percent of the respondents living in the South owned a gun personally.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2023, white respondents were more likely to either personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household than their non-white counterparts. During the survey, 35 percent of white Americans reported that they personally owned a firearm, compared to 22 percent of non-white respondents.

This study was undertaken to obtain information on the characteristics of gun ownership, gun-carrying practices, and weapons-related incidents in the United States -- specifically, gun use and other weapons used in self-defense against humans and animals. Data were gathered using a national random-digit-dial telephone survey. The respondents were comprised of 1,905 randomly-selected adults aged 18 and older living in the 50 United States. All interviews were completed between May 28 and July 2, 1996. The sample was designed to be a representative sample of households, not of individuals, so researchers did not interview more than one adult from each household. To start the interview, six qualifying questions were asked, dealing with (1) gun ownership, (2) gun-carrying practices, (3) gun display against the respondent, (4) gun use in self-defense against animals, (5) gun use in self-defense against people, and (6) other weapons used in self-defense. A "yes" response to a qualifying question led to a series of additional questions on the same topic as the qualifying question. Part 1, Survey Data, contains the coded data obtained during the interviews, and Part 2, Open-Ended-Verbatim Responses, consists of the answers to open-ended questions provided by the respondents. Information collected for Part 1 covers how many firearms were owned by household members, types of firearms owned (handguns, revolvers, pistols, fully automatic weapons, and assault weapons), whether the respondent personally owned a gun, reasons for owning a gun, type of gun carried, whether the gun was ever kept loaded, kept concealed, used for personal protection, or used for work, and whether the respondent had a permit to carry the gun. Additional questions focused on incidents in which a gun was displayed in a hostile manner against the respondent, including the number of times such an incident took place, the location of the event in which the gun was displayed against the respondent, whether the police were contacted, whether the individual displaying the gun was known to the respondent, whether the incident was a burglary, robbery, or other planned assault, and the number of shots fired during the incident. Variables concerning gun use by the respondent in self-defense against an animal include the number of times the respondent used a gun in this manner and whether the respondent was hunting at the time of the incident. Other variables in Part 1 deal with gun use in self-defense against people, such as the location of the event, if the other individual knew the respondent had a gun, the type of gun used, any injuries to the respondent or to the individual that required medical attention or hospitalization, whether the incident was reported to the police, whether there were any arrests, whether other weapons were used in self-defense, the type of other weapon used, location of the incident in which the other weapon was used, and whether the respondent was working as a police officer or security guard or was in the military at the time of the event. Demographic variables in Part 1 include the gender, race, age, household income, and type of community (city, suburb, or rural) in which the respondent lived. Open-ended questions asked during the interview comprise the variables in Part 2. Responses include descriptions of where the respondent was when he or she displayed a gun (in self-defense or otherwise), specific reasons why the respondent displayed a gun, how the other individual reacted when the respondent displayed the gun, how the individual knew the respondent had a gun, whether the police were contacted for specific self-defense events, and if not, why not.

In the United States in 2022, 48 percent of Republicans reported that they owned at least one gun, and 66 percent said that they lived in a household with a gun. In comparison, only 20 percent of Democrats owned at least one gun, and 31 percent lived a gun household.

Who are gun owners?

In 2022, significantly more Democrats were in favor of limiting gun ownership in comparison to Republicans. On the other hand, more Republicans were in favor of protecting the right to own guns in comparison to Democrats. When examined by education level, respondents who said they only had some college, but no degree, were the most likely to have said that there is at least one gun in their household. However, nearly a quarter of Americans over 18 years old said that they rarely carry a gun on their person.

Republicans vs Democrats Debate

The gun control debate in the United States has been a highly contested one. In light of frequent mass shootings, gun control laws have become the center of policy discussions. Democratic politicins tend to put significant emphasis on their gun control policies, and are overall more in favor in stricter gun control laws and want more background checks for those who want to purchase a gun. However, Republicans tend to work in favor of gun rights.

Texas was the state with the highest number of registered weapons in the United States in 2021, with 1,006,555 firearms. Rhode Island, on the other hand, had the least, with 4,887 registered firearms.

Gun laws in the United States

Gun ownership in the U.S. is protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution, which allows citizens to own firearms and form a militia if necessary.

Outside of the 2nd Amendment, gun laws in the U.S. vary from state to state, and gun owners are subject to the laws of the state they are currently in, not necessarily the state they live in. For example, if concealed carry is allowed in a gun owner’s state of residence, but not in the state they are travelling in, the owner is subject to the law of the state they are travelling in.

Civilian-owned firearms

The United States is estimated to have the highest rate of civilian-owned firearms in the world, and more than double that of Yemen, which has the second-highest gun ownership rate. Unfortunately, along with high gun ownership rates comes a higher number of homicides by firearm, which was about 10,258 homicides in 2019.

Financial overview and grant giving statistics of Gun Owners Of America Inc

The global Gun Locks market was valued at XXX million in 2023 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of XX% over the forecast period (2023-2033). The growth of the market is primarily attributed to stringent government regulations, increasing gun ownership, and concerns about gun-related accidents and crimes. The market is segmented by application (Law Enforcement, Military and Defense, Others), type (Gun Cable Locks, Trigger Locks), and region (North America, South America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific). The Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, owing to increasing gun ownership and stringent regulations in countries such as China, India, and Japan. North America is expected to hold a significant market share due to the high demand for gun safety products and the rising number of gun owners. Key players in the global Gun Locks market include Master Lock, Regal Industrial Sales, T-LOCK, BISON, and Firearm Safety Devices Corporation. These companies are focusing on developing innovative products, expanding their distribution channels, and acquiring smaller players to gain a competitive advantage.

Predicted probability of at least one mass shooting within next few months.

This statistic shows the share of household that own a firearm in the United States in 2014, by income level. In 2014, 18.2 percent of households with income of less than 25,000 U.S. dollars owned a firearm.

The smart gun market, valued at $286.88 million in 2025, is poised for substantial growth, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7.07% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Increasing concerns about accidental shootings and gun violence are fueling demand for enhanced safety features. Technological advancements in biometric authentication, RFID technology, and smart locking mechanisms are making smart guns more reliable and user-friendly. Furthermore, government regulations promoting firearm safety and stricter licensing requirements are indirectly boosting the market. The North American region, particularly the U.S., is expected to dominate the market due to its high gun ownership rates and a relatively mature technological landscape for integrating advanced security features. However, high initial costs associated with smart gun technology and concerns about potential malfunctions remain significant barriers to widespread adoption. The market segmentation reveals a strong focus on advanced technologies like RFID and biometrics for enhanced security and user authentication. Geographically, North America and Europe are currently leading the market, but the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China and India, is projected to experience significant growth due to increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing awareness of safety concerns. Major players like Biofire Technologies, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin are actively involved in research, development, and commercialization, contributing to the market's dynamic evolution. While challenges remain, the overall market trajectory suggests a positive outlook driven by the confluence of technological innovation, safety concerns, and supportive regulatory environments. The forecast period of 2025-2033 offers considerable opportunity for companies in the industry to further innovate and address existing limitations to accelerate market penetration.

This statistic shows the share of household that own a firearm in the United States in 2017, by proximity to urban centers. In 2017, 46 percent of Americans living in rural areas personally owned a firearm.

The global gun sound suppressor market, valued at $388 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Increasing demand from law enforcement and military agencies for enhanced hearing protection and tactical advantages contributes significantly to market growth. Furthermore, a rising number of recreational shooters and hunters seeking to reduce noise pollution and improve shooting comfort are adopting suppressors. Technological advancements leading to lighter, more durable, and more effective suppressor designs are also driving market adoption. The market is segmented by application (hunting, law enforcement, military, and others) and type (rifle, pistol, shotgun, and others), with rifle suppressors currently holding the largest market share due to their widespread use. North America is expected to dominate the market, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific, reflecting strong gun ownership rates and robust defense budgets in these regions. However, stringent regulations and licensing requirements in certain countries pose a significant restraint on market expansion. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established players like SureFire, SilencerCo, and Gemtech, along with emerging companies focusing on innovation and specialized suppressor designs. Future market growth will likely depend on the evolving regulatory environment, advancements in materials science and suppressor technology, and the sustained demand from key user groups. The increasing focus on hearing conservation, both among professionals and civilians, is expected to further fuel market expansion over the forecast period. The market's growth trajectory is anticipated to remain positive, reflecting a combination of consumer demand, technological progress, and sustained government spending on defense and security. However, potential shifts in regulations or significant changes in consumer preferences could impact the projected growth rate.

According to a survey conducted in the United States in 2022, people with some college, but no college degree, were more likely to personally own a gun or live in a gun owning household. At this time, 40 percent of Americans with some college personally owned a firearm, compared to 28 percent of those with a high school degree or less, and 34 percent of college graduates.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) collects crime reports from more than 500 New York State police and sheriffs’ departments. DCJS compiles these reports as New York’s official crime statistics and submits them to the FBI under the National Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. UCR uses standard offense definitions to count crime in localities across America regardless of variations in crime laws from state to state. In New York State, law enforcement agencies use the UCR system to report their monthly crime totals to DCJS. The UCR reporting system collects information on seven crimes classified as Index offenses which are most commonly used to gauge overall crime volume. These include the violent crimes of murder/non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault; and the property crimes of burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Firearm counts are derived from taking the number of violent crimes which involve a firearm. Population data are provided every year by the FBI, based on US Census information. Police agencies may experience reporting problems that preclude accurate or complete reporting. The counts represent only crimes reported to the police but not total crimes that occurred. DCJS posts preliminary data in the spring and final data in the fall.

The global gun silencer market, valued at $388 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Increasing demand from law enforcement and military agencies for quieter firearm operations in tactical situations is a significant driver. Furthermore, the growing popularity of recreational shooting and hunting, coupled with a rising awareness of hearing protection among enthusiasts, is significantly contributing to market growth. Technological advancements leading to improved silencer designs, offering better noise reduction and durability, also play a crucial role. The market is segmented by application (hunting, law enforcement, military, and others) and type (rifle, pistol, shotgun, and others). While rifle silencers currently dominate the market share, pistol silencers are witnessing significant growth due to increased concealed carry and personal protection applications. The North American market, particularly the United States, holds a considerable share due to strong gun ownership and a relatively less stringent regulatory environment compared to other regions. However, variations in regulations across different countries and regions present challenges to market expansion, acting as a potential restraint on overall growth. The competitive landscape is marked by the presence of established players like SureFire, SilencerCo, and Gemtech, alongside emerging companies that are innovating in materials, design, and noise reduction technologies. This dynamic interplay of factors suggests a promising outlook for the gun silencer market, although future growth will likely be influenced by evolving regulations and consumer preferences. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued expansion, with the market size exceeding $600 million by 2033. This growth is expected to be relatively consistent across all major segments, although some regional disparities may arise due to differing legal frameworks and market penetration rates. Continued innovation in suppressor technology, focusing on lighter weight, improved sound reduction, and increased durability, will remain crucial for sustained growth. Furthermore, industry players will need to adapt to evolving consumer demands and navigate the complex regulatory landscape to fully capitalize on the market’s potential. The increasing focus on hearing protection among shooters and the diversification of applications beyond traditional military and law enforcement uses are expected to be major drivers of this ongoing expansion.

According to a survey conducted in 2023, 72 percent of gun owners in the United States cited protection as a major reason for owning a gun. In comparison, seven percent said that a major reason they owned a gun in that year was for their job.