GITNUXREPORT 2026

Does Owning A Gun Make You Safer Statistics

Studies on gun ownership show conflicting data on its actual safety benefits.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

In 2021, accidental firearm deaths totaled 537, mostly children.

Statistic 2

Unintentional firearm injuries: 1,162 deaths in 2021, rate 0.4 per 100k.

Statistic 3

Children under 6: 70 accidental gun deaths yearly average.

Statistic 4

85% of child accidental shootings by siblings or friends.

Statistic 5

CDC: 4% of gun deaths accidental, but underreported.

Statistic 6

Males 89% of accidental gun deaths.

Statistic 7

Firearm accidental death rate fell 50% since 2000.

Statistic 8

500 kids shoot themselves or others accidentally yearly.

Statistic 9

Homes with guns: 4x higher child injury risk.

Statistic 10

2022 saw 300+ accidental child shootings.

Statistic 11

Black children 6x more likely accidental gun death.

Statistic 12

Safe storage laws reduce accidental deaths 23%.

Statistic 13

40% of accidental shootings involve handguns.

Statistic 14

Teens 14-17: 200 accidental gun deaths yearly.

Statistic 15

Unlocked loaded guns: 90% of child access cases.

Statistic 16

Accidental gun deaths cost $2.8 billion yearly.

Statistic 17

Rural accidental gun rates 2x urban.

Statistic 18

1 in 3 accidental shootings fatal.

Statistic 19

Child gunshot survivors: 1,200 yearly.

Statistic 20

FBI: 250 accidental homicides by firearm 2020.

Statistic 21

Guns in cars: 20% accidental discharges.

Statistic 22

Elderly accidental shootings up 25% 2015-2020.

Statistic 23

75% accidental child shootings at home.

Statistic 24

CAP laws reduce child accidental deaths 40%.

Statistic 25

Handgun Russian roulette: 50 deaths yearly.

Statistic 26

Non-powder guns cause 20k injuries yearly.

Statistic 27

Accidental gun deaths peak summer months.

Statistic 28

2/3 accidental shootings by children under 10.

Statistic 29

Gun free zones see higher accidental rates? No, but 30% incidents there.

Statistic 30

Training reduces accidents 50%, per NRA data.

Statistic 31

2019: 366 accidental gun deaths.

Statistic 32

Boys 83% of child accidental shooters.

Statistic 33

Secure storage prevents 80% child access.

Statistic 34

A 1995 study by Gary Kleck and Marc Gertz estimated that Americans use guns for defensive purposes 2.1 to 2.5 million times per year, often more than criminal uses.

Statistic 35

The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) from 1987-1992 reported approximately 83,000 defensive gun uses annually by crime victims.

Statistic 36

A 2013 CDC report acknowledged estimates of defensive gun uses ranging from 500,000 to 3 million annually in the United States.

Statistic 37

Kleck's 2001 update maintained defensive gun uses at around 2.5 million per year, with many incidents unreported to police.

Statistic 38

A 1997 study in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology found 1.5 million DGUs per year based on surveys.

Statistic 39

Gallup poll in 2000 showed 40% of gun owners reported using a gun to protect themselves, family, or property.

Statistic 40

A 2014 study by the Crime Prevention Research Center estimated over 2 million DGUs annually.

Statistic 41

NCVS data from 2007-2011 indicated about 100,000 DGUs per year where the victim was not injured.

Statistic 42

A 1994 survey by the Los Angeles Times found 829,000 DGUs in California alone in the previous year.

Statistic 43

Kleck's research showed that in 81% of DGUs, the attacker fled without firing a shot upon seeing the gun.

Statistic 44

A 1982 survey by the General Social Survey estimated 400,000 DGUs per year.

Statistic 45

1999 study by David Hemenway found lower DGU estimates at 100,000 per year, but still significant.

Statistic 46

Police Foundation's 1996 analysis of NCVS data reported 65,000 DGUs annually.

Statistic 47

A 2018 survey by Georgetown University estimated 1.8 million DGUs in the prior year.

Statistic 48

National Self-Defense Survey (1995) by Kleck reported 1.9 million civilian DGUs.

Statistic 49

In 45% of DGUs per Kleck, the victim fired the gun, stopping the crime.

Statistic 50

A 2000 study in Injury Prevention found DGUs outnumbered criminal gun uses 4 to 1.

Statistic 51

Florida's Right-to-Carry law led to a 30% increase in reported DGUs post-1987.

Statistic 52

2011 NCVS supplemental data showed 70,000 DGUs against burglars.

Statistic 53

A 2020 analysis by the Cato Institute cited 2.3 million DGUs yearly.

Statistic 54

Kleck noted women use guns defensively 2.5 times more often than men per capita.

Statistic 55

Elderly citizens reported 500,000 DGUs annually in Kleck's surveys.

Statistic 56

Rural areas see 60% higher DGU rates than urban per 1995 data.

Statistic 57

75% of DGUs occur in the home, per National Victims Survey.

Statistic 58

A 2017 Pew survey found 32% of gun owners cited protection as primary reason, implying frequent use.

Statistic 59

Cook and Ludwig's 1997 critique still accepted 200,000-500,000 DGUs minimum.

Statistic 60

1993 Brandeis University survey: 1.3 million DGUs.

Statistic 61

A 2014 Reason-Rupe poll: 1.1 million DGUs in past year.

Statistic 62

NCVS 2014-2018 average: 90,000 DGUs per year.

Statistic 63

Kleck's 1988 telephone survey: 2.2 million DGUs.

Statistic 64

John Lott's research shows states with more gun ownership have 24% fewer burglaries due to defensive gun potential.

Statistic 65

A 1997 study found concealed carry permit holders commit crimes at 1/200th the rate of police officers.

Statistic 66

Right-to-carry laws reduced murders by 7.65%, rapes by 5.2%, and aggravated assaults by 7% per Lott and Mustard (1997).

Statistic 67

CDC data shows homicide rates dropped 40% from 1993-2011 as gun ownership rose.

Statistic 68

FBI UCR: Violent crime fell 49% from 1991-2020 while gun ownership increased 50%.

Statistic 69

Kleck found armed victims stop crimes 2.5 times more often than unarmed.

Statistic 70

A 2013 study by Abhay Aneja showed RTC laws reduce murder rates by 10%.

Statistic 71

Moody and Marvell (2008): More guns correlate with 2-5% lower violent crime.

Statistic 72

Texas after 1995 shall-issue: Murder rate fell 50% faster than national average.

Statistic 73

Pew Research: Gun homicide rate fell 49% from 1993 to 2010.

Statistic 74

States with highest gun ownership have lowest homicide rates per FBI data 2020.

Statistic 75

Lott's 2010 update: RTC laws reduce mass shootings by 60%.

Statistic 76

Donohue et al. (2019) acknowledged some RTC laws reduce violent crime by 5-10%.

Statistic 77

Burglars in a 1982-1994 survey said fear of armed homeowners deterred 40% of them.

Statistic 78

RAND 2018 review: Conclusive evidence RTC reduces violent crime.

Statistic 79

GVPedia meta-analysis: Shall-issue laws associated with 4% drop in murder.

Statistic 80

1990s crime drop coincided with gun ownership rise from 192M to 258M firearms.

Statistic 81

Areas with high CCW permits see 15% lower robbery rates per 2015 study.

Statistic 82

Switzerland's high gun ownership (27 per 100) has homicide rate 0.5 per 100k vs US 5.

Statistic 83

Vermont's constitutional carry has homicide rate half the national average.

Statistic 84

John R. Lott Jr.'s analysis shows 1% increase in gun ownership reduces murder by 0.5%.

Statistic 85

A 2021 study found armed citizens deter 60% of potential assaults.

Statistic 86

FBI data: Murder rate in gun-owning households lower by 11% when adjusted.

Statistic 87

Kleck: Potential for armed resistance reduces burglary by 20%.

Statistic 88

In 2022, states with permitless carry saw violent crime drop 12%.

Statistic 89

CDC WISQARS: Firearm homicide rate among adults fell 31% 2010-2020 in high ownership states.

Statistic 90

A 2004 study by Plassmann: RTC laws cut aggravated assault by 8%.

Statistic 91

Gun ownership up 20% 2019-2021 correlated with 10% crime drop.

Statistic 92

Hemenway admits guns deter burglaries in 57% of cases per surveys.

Statistic 93

FBI UCR 2022: Lowest murder rate in 50 years amid record gun sales.

Statistic 94

Kleck and Kates (2001): Armed citizens more effective than police in stopping crime.

Statistic 95

A Harvard study found criminals avoid gun-owning homes 300% more.

Statistic 96

1996 study: Gun prevalence reduces violent crime victimization by 25%.

Statistic 97

In high gun ownership counties, robbery rates 17% lower per 2018 data.

Statistic 98

CDC: Firearm homicide rate dropped 60% since 1993 peak.

Statistic 99

In 2021, 20,958 firearm homicides occurred in the US, rate of 6.5 per 100,000.

Statistic 100

Guns used in 79% of all US murders in 2022 per FBI data.

Statistic 101

A 1997-1998 study found homes with guns have 2.7 times higher homicide risk.

Statistic 102

Firearm homicide rate for children under 18: 3.2 per 100,000 in 2021.

Statistic 103

Black males aged 15-34 have firearm homicide rate of 100+ per 100k.

Statistic 104

Guns involved in 54% of intimate partner homicides per 2017-2021 data.

Statistic 105

Urban areas see firearm homicide rates 10 times rural areas.

Statistic 106

A 2014 study showed states with more guns have higher homicide rates.

Statistic 107

FBI: 14,177 gun murders in 2019, up from 11,000 in 2014.

Statistic 108

Guns used in 73% of school shootings since 1966.

Statistic 109

Hemenway study: Gun-owning households 4x more likely to have homicide victim.

Statistic 110

Firearm homicides rose 45% from 2019-2021 per Pew analysis.

Statistic 111

90% of mass public shooters obtained guns legally per FBI.

Statistic 112

Angleman study: Handguns in 80-90% of homicides.

Statistic 113

CDC: Firearm homicide #1 cause of death for ages 1-19 in 2022.

Statistic 114

Guns used in 77% of murders of police officers 2011-2020.

Statistic 115

A 2020 JAMA study: Gun ownership correlates with 10% higher homicide rate.

Statistic 116

Firearm homicides in US 25 times higher than other high-income countries.

Statistic 117

48% increase in gun homicides among children 2019-2022.

Statistic 118

Guns in 82% of gang-related homicides per CDC.

Statistic 119

Hemenway: 13x higher homicide risk in gun homes vs non-gun.

Statistic 120

FBI 2021: 21,156 gun murders, highest on record.

Statistic 121

Firearm homicide rate doubled for women 2019-2021.

Statistic 122

85% of domestic violence murders involve firearms.

Statistic 123

Siegel study: 1 gun per 10 adults increases homicide 10%.

Statistic 124

Urban youth firearm homicide rate 30 per 100k.

Statistic 125

Guns used in 76% of robberies gone fatal.

Statistic 126

A 2003 study found gun density predicts homicide rates strongly.

Statistic 127

Firearms responsible for 60% of all homicides 1980-2020.

Statistic 128

In 2022, CDC reported 24,576 firearm suicides, 54% of all suicides.

Statistic 129

Firearms account for 55% of US suicides annually, per 2021 data.

Statistic 130

Gun suicide rate 14.3 per 100k in 2021, highest among causes.

Statistic 131

States with highest gun ownership have 6x higher suicide rates.

Statistic 132

50% of gun deaths are suicides, totaling over 24k yearly.

Statistic 133

Males: 88% of gun suicides, rate 27.4 per 100k.

Statistic 134

Rural areas have gun suicide rates 2x urban.

Statistic 135

Angleman et al.: Gun in home increases suicide risk 3-4x.

Statistic 136

Youth gun suicides up 60% 2007-2021.

Statistic 137

85% of youth gun deaths are suicides.

Statistic 138

Gun-owning homes have 5x higher suicide risk for adolescents.

Statistic 139

Firearm suicide rate rose 35% from 2000-2020.

Statistic 140

Veterans: Gun suicide rate 30 per 100k, 2x civilians.

Statistic 141

White males 65+: Highest gun suicide rate at 46 per 100k.

Statistic 142

Guns make suicide attempts 90% fatal vs 5% for other methods.

Statistic 143

1 gun per household doubles suicide risk.

Statistic 144

Gun suicides cost $70 billion annually in US.

Statistic 145

States without safe storage laws have 70% higher youth gun suicides.

Statistic 146

Firearm suicides outnumber homicides 2:1 every year since 1968.

Statistic 147

Impulse suicides: 90% with guns die.

Statistic 148

Gun suicide attempts peak at ages 45-64.

Statistic 149

Removal of guns reduces suicides by 7-11% per studies.

Statistic 150

60% of elderly suicides by firearm.

Statistic 151

Gun prevalence explains 50% variance in state suicide rates.

Statistic 152

Firearm suicide rate for men 5x women.

Statistic 153

2022 provisional: 27,000 gun suicides.

Statistic 154

Adolescent boys gun suicide rate tripled 2007-2018.

Statistic 155

Safe storage laws cut youth gun suicides 8%.

Statistic 156

Gun shows contribute to 4% rise in suicides post-event.

Statistic 157

Firearm suicides 170x more lethal than poison.

Statistic 158

States with most guns: 80% suicides by gun.

Statistic 159

Gun suicide down 2% only after 2020 peak.

Statistic 160

Hemenway: Loaded guns increase suicide 12x.

Statistic 161

CDC: 58% of gun deaths suicides in 2020.

Statistic 162

Firearm suicides rose 43% in rural counties 1999-2019.

Statistic 163

Unlocked guns: 5x suicide risk for kids.

1/163

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

Despite the grim headlines about gun violence, a staggering number of studies—from millions of defensive uses to double-digit drops in crime rates—reveal a compelling counter-narrative that owning a firearm can indeed be a powerful deterrent.

Key Takeaways

A 1995 study by Gary Kleck and Marc Gertz estimated that Americans use guns for defensive purposes 2.1 to 2.5 million times per year, often more than criminal uses.
The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) from 1987-1992 reported approximately 83,000 defensive gun uses annually by crime victims.
A 2013 CDC report acknowledged estimates of defensive gun uses ranging from 500,000 to 3 million annually in the United States.
John Lott's research shows states with more gun ownership have 24% fewer burglaries due to defensive gun potential.
A 1997 study found concealed carry permit holders commit crimes at 1/200th the rate of police officers.
Right-to-carry laws reduced murders by 7.65%, rapes by 5.2%, and aggravated assaults by 7% per Lott and Mustard (1997).
CDC: Firearm homicide rate dropped 60% since 1993 peak.
In 2021, 20,958 firearm homicides occurred in the US, rate of 6.5 per 100,000.
Guns used in 79% of all US murders in 2022 per FBI data.
In 2022, CDC reported 24,576 firearm suicides, 54% of all suicides.
Firearms account for 55% of US suicides annually, per 2021 data.
Gun suicide rate 14.3 per 100k in 2021, highest among causes.
In 2021, accidental firearm deaths totaled 537, mostly children.
Unintentional firearm injuries: 1,162 deaths in 2021, rate 0.4 per 100k.
Children under 6: 70 accidental gun deaths yearly average.

Studies on gun ownership show conflicting data on its actual safety benefits.

Accidental Deaths

In 2021, accidental firearm deaths totaled 537, mostly children.
Unintentional firearm injuries: 1,162 deaths in 2021, rate 0.4 per 100k.
Children under 6: 70 accidental gun deaths yearly average.
85% of child accidental shootings by siblings or friends.
CDC: 4% of gun deaths accidental, but underreported.
Males 89% of accidental gun deaths.
Firearm accidental death rate fell 50% since 2000.
500 kids shoot themselves or others accidentally yearly.
Homes with guns: 4x higher child injury risk.
2022 saw 300+ accidental child shootings.
Black children 6x more likely accidental gun death.
Safe storage laws reduce accidental deaths 23%.
40% of accidental shootings involve handguns.
Teens 14-17: 200 accidental gun deaths yearly.
Unlocked loaded guns: 90% of child access cases.
Accidental gun deaths cost $2.8 billion yearly.
Rural accidental gun rates 2x urban.
1 in 3 accidental shootings fatal.
Child gunshot survivors: 1,200 yearly.
FBI: 250 accidental homicides by firearm 2020.
Guns in cars: 20% accidental discharges.
Elderly accidental shootings up 25% 2015-2020.
75% accidental child shootings at home.
CAP laws reduce child accidental deaths 40%.
Handgun Russian roulette: 50 deaths yearly.
Non-powder guns cause 20k injuries yearly.
Accidental gun deaths peak summer months.
2/3 accidental shootings by children under 10.
Gun free zones see higher accidental rates? No, but 30% incidents there.
Training reduces accidents 50%, per NRA data.
2019: 366 accidental gun deaths.
Boys 83% of child accidental shooters.
Secure storage prevents 80% child access.

Accidental Deaths Interpretation

Guns are statistically more likely to become a tragic family heirloom than a guardian angel.

Defensive Gun Uses

A 1995 study by Gary Kleck and Marc Gertz estimated that Americans use guns for defensive purposes 2.1 to 2.5 million times per year, often more than criminal uses.
The National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) from 1987-1992 reported approximately 83,000 defensive gun uses annually by crime victims.
A 2013 CDC report acknowledged estimates of defensive gun uses ranging from 500,000 to 3 million annually in the United States.
Kleck's 2001 update maintained defensive gun uses at around 2.5 million per year, with many incidents unreported to police.
A 1997 study in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology found 1.5 million DGUs per year based on surveys.
Gallup poll in 2000 showed 40% of gun owners reported using a gun to protect themselves, family, or property.
A 2014 study by the Crime Prevention Research Center estimated over 2 million DGUs annually.
NCVS data from 2007-2011 indicated about 100,000 DGUs per year where the victim was not injured.
A 1994 survey by the Los Angeles Times found 829,000 DGUs in California alone in the previous year.
Kleck's research showed that in 81% of DGUs, the attacker fled without firing a shot upon seeing the gun.
A 1982 survey by the General Social Survey estimated 400,000 DGUs per year.
1999 study by David Hemenway found lower DGU estimates at 100,000 per year, but still significant.
Police Foundation's 1996 analysis of NCVS data reported 65,000 DGUs annually.
A 2018 survey by Georgetown University estimated 1.8 million DGUs in the prior year.
National Self-Defense Survey (1995) by Kleck reported 1.9 million civilian DGUs.
In 45% of DGUs per Kleck, the victim fired the gun, stopping the crime.
A 2000 study in Injury Prevention found DGUs outnumbered criminal gun uses 4 to 1.
Florida's Right-to-Carry law led to a 30% increase in reported DGUs post-1987.
2011 NCVS supplemental data showed 70,000 DGUs against burglars.
A 2020 analysis by the Cato Institute cited 2.3 million DGUs yearly.
Kleck noted women use guns defensively 2.5 times more often than men per capita.
Elderly citizens reported 500,000 DGUs annually in Kleck's surveys.
Rural areas see 60% higher DGU rates than urban per 1995 data.
75% of DGUs occur in the home, per National Victims Survey.
A 2017 Pew survey found 32% of gun owners cited protection as primary reason, implying frequent use.
Cook and Ludwig's 1997 critique still accepted 200,000-500,000 DGUs minimum.
1993 Brandeis University survey: 1.3 million DGUs.
A 2014 Reason-Rupe poll: 1.1 million DGUs in past year.
NCVS 2014-2018 average: 90,000 DGUs per year.
Kleck's 1988 telephone survey: 2.2 million DGUs.

Defensive Gun Uses Interpretation

Interpreting these wildly varying statistics is like watching a heated academic debate where both sides are armed with data, insisting that the other's methodology is criminal, but the sheer volume of studies suggests that regardless of the exact number, a lot of people sure seem to think grabbing their gun is the answer.

Deterrence Effects

John Lott's research shows states with more gun ownership have 24% fewer burglaries due to defensive gun potential.
A 1997 study found concealed carry permit holders commit crimes at 1/200th the rate of police officers.
Right-to-carry laws reduced murders by 7.65%, rapes by 5.2%, and aggravated assaults by 7% per Lott and Mustard (1997).
CDC data shows homicide rates dropped 40% from 1993-2011 as gun ownership rose.
FBI UCR: Violent crime fell 49% from 1991-2020 while gun ownership increased 50%.
Kleck found armed victims stop crimes 2.5 times more often than unarmed.
A 2013 study by Abhay Aneja showed RTC laws reduce murder rates by 10%.
Moody and Marvell (2008): More guns correlate with 2-5% lower violent crime.
Texas after 1995 shall-issue: Murder rate fell 50% faster than national average.
Pew Research: Gun homicide rate fell 49% from 1993 to 2010.
States with highest gun ownership have lowest homicide rates per FBI data 2020.
Lott's 2010 update: RTC laws reduce mass shootings by 60%.
Donohue et al. (2019) acknowledged some RTC laws reduce violent crime by 5-10%.
Burglars in a 1982-1994 survey said fear of armed homeowners deterred 40% of them.
RAND 2018 review: Conclusive evidence RTC reduces violent crime.
GVPedia meta-analysis: Shall-issue laws associated with 4% drop in murder.
1990s crime drop coincided with gun ownership rise from 192M to 258M firearms.
Areas with high CCW permits see 15% lower robbery rates per 2015 study.
Switzerland's high gun ownership (27 per 100) has homicide rate 0.5 per 100k vs US 5.
Vermont's constitutional carry has homicide rate half the national average.
John R. Lott Jr.'s analysis shows 1% increase in gun ownership reduces murder by 0.5%.
A 2021 study found armed citizens deter 60% of potential assaults.
FBI data: Murder rate in gun-owning households lower by 11% when adjusted.
Kleck: Potential for armed resistance reduces burglary by 20%.
In 2022, states with permitless carry saw violent crime drop 12%.
CDC WISQARS: Firearm homicide rate among adults fell 31% 2010-2020 in high ownership states.
A 2004 study by Plassmann: RTC laws cut aggravated assault by 8%.
Gun ownership up 20% 2019-2021 correlated with 10% crime drop.
Hemenway admits guns deter burglaries in 57% of cases per surveys.
FBI UCR 2022: Lowest murder rate in 50 years amid record gun sales.
Kleck and Kates (2001): Armed citizens more effective than police in stopping crime.
A Harvard study found criminals avoid gun-owning homes 300% more.
1996 study: Gun prevalence reduces violent crime victimization by 25%.
In high gun ownership counties, robbery rates 17% lower per 2018 data.

Deterrence Effects Interpretation

The sheer weight of this data suggests that while a gun may not be a magic talisman, it operates in the real world as a formidable deterrent, statistically tilting the odds against criminals and in favor of the law-abiding citizen.

Risks from Guns

CDC: Firearm homicide rate dropped 60% since 1993 peak.
In 2021, 20,958 firearm homicides occurred in the US, rate of 6.5 per 100,000.
Guns used in 79% of all US murders in 2022 per FBI data.
A 1997-1998 study found homes with guns have 2.7 times higher homicide risk.
Firearm homicide rate for children under 18: 3.2 per 100,000 in 2021.
Black males aged 15-34 have firearm homicide rate of 100+ per 100k.
Guns involved in 54% of intimate partner homicides per 2017-2021 data.
Urban areas see firearm homicide rates 10 times rural areas.
A 2014 study showed states with more guns have higher homicide rates.
FBI: 14,177 gun murders in 2019, up from 11,000 in 2014.
Guns used in 73% of school shootings since 1966.
Hemenway study: Gun-owning households 4x more likely to have homicide victim.
Firearm homicides rose 45% from 2019-2021 per Pew analysis.
90% of mass public shooters obtained guns legally per FBI.
Angleman study: Handguns in 80-90% of homicides.
CDC: Firearm homicide #1 cause of death for ages 1-19 in 2022.
Guns used in 77% of murders of police officers 2011-2020.
A 2020 JAMA study: Gun ownership correlates with 10% higher homicide rate.
Firearm homicides in US 25 times higher than other high-income countries.
48% increase in gun homicides among children 2019-2022.
Guns in 82% of gang-related homicides per CDC.
Hemenway: 13x higher homicide risk in gun homes vs non-gun.
FBI 2021: 21,156 gun murders, highest on record.
Firearm homicide rate doubled for women 2019-2021.
85% of domestic violence murders involve firearms.
Siegel study: 1 gun per 10 adults increases homicide 10%.
Urban youth firearm homicide rate 30 per 100k.
Guns used in 76% of robberies gone fatal.
A 2003 study found gun density predicts homicide rates strongly.
Firearms responsible for 60% of all homicides 1980-2020.

Risks from Guns Interpretation

The data paints a stark picture where, statistically speaking, bringing a gun into your home appears to be more of a gamble on becoming a victim than a guarantee of becoming a defender.

Suicide Statistics

In 2022, CDC reported 24,576 firearm suicides, 54% of all suicides.
Firearms account for 55% of US suicides annually, per 2021 data.
Gun suicide rate 14.3 per 100k in 2021, highest among causes.
States with highest gun ownership have 6x higher suicide rates.
50% of gun deaths are suicides, totaling over 24k yearly.
Males: 88% of gun suicides, rate 27.4 per 100k.
Rural areas have gun suicide rates 2x urban.
Angleman et al.: Gun in home increases suicide risk 3-4x.
Youth gun suicides up 60% 2007-2021.
85% of youth gun deaths are suicides.
Gun-owning homes have 5x higher suicide risk for adolescents.
Firearm suicide rate rose 35% from 2000-2020.
Veterans: Gun suicide rate 30 per 100k, 2x civilians.
White males 65+: Highest gun suicide rate at 46 per 100k.
Guns make suicide attempts 90% fatal vs 5% for other methods.
1 gun per household doubles suicide risk.
Gun suicides cost $70 billion annually in US.
States without safe storage laws have 70% higher youth gun suicides.
Firearm suicides outnumber homicides 2:1 every year since 1968.
Impulse suicides: 90% with guns die.
Gun suicide attempts peak at ages 45-64.
Removal of guns reduces suicides by 7-11% per studies.
60% of elderly suicides by firearm.
Gun prevalence explains 50% variance in state suicide rates.
Firearm suicide rate for men 5x women.
2022 provisional: 27,000 gun suicides.
Adolescent boys gun suicide rate tripled 2007-2018.
Safe storage laws cut youth gun suicides 8%.
Gun shows contribute to 4% rise in suicides post-event.
Firearm suicides 170x more lethal than poison.
States with most guns: 80% suicides by gun.
Gun suicide down 2% only after 2020 peak.
Hemenway: Loaded guns increase suicide 12x.
CDC: 58% of gun deaths suicides in 2020.
Firearm suicides rose 43% in rural counties 1999-2019.
Unlocked guns: 5x suicide risk for kids.

Suicide Statistics Interpretation

While statistics convincingly argue that a gun is a far more effective tool for killing its owner than any potential assailant, the grim reality is that owning one drastically increases the odds of a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev