Almost Half of This Group of Americans Owns a Gun

Americans have varied reasons for gun ownership. These reasons include hunting, protection, sport shooting, and collecting. Some owners need them for their jobs; law enforcement and soldiers keep a side arm and usually some type of shotgun. A 2023 Gallup survey stated that 42% of Americans personally own a firearm. There are approximately 120.5 guns to 100 people in the US.

Whatever the reasoning behind owning a gun – firearm sales are booming. It’s important to note that gun ownership rates vary significantly among diverse demographic groups, regions, income brackets, and other categorizations.

Geographic region dictates a notable difference in ownership rates. In the Eastern US, approximately 19% own firearms. On the other hand, the Southern states have reached about 40%, over twice as high.

24/7 Wall St. reviewed the most recent Gallup poll, Household Gun Ownership in the U.S. Among Subgroups. The survey questioned whether respondents possessed firearms individually. Participants were categorized by criteria such as gender, political party affiliation, geographical region, and community type.

This post was updated on June 20, 2025 to reflex the most up-to-date information.

Why This Matters

24/7 is covering trends in gun ownership because the gun industry has wide-reaching effects on our nation’s economy. Multi-million-dollar corporations that manufacture, distribute, and sell firearms stimulate the economy on a national and local level. When a consumer purchases a firearm from notable firearm companies such as Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Sig Sauer, and Springfield Armory, they support an array of jobs created by this industry, as well as generating tax revenues at a state and federal level.

Scroll below to see the Americans who own the most guns: 

9. Eastern Residents

• Percent who personally own a firearm: 19%

8. Big City Residents

• Percent who personally own a firearm: 20%

7. Women Overall

• Percent who personally own a firearm: 20%

6. Republican Women

• Percent who personally own a firearm: 33%

5. Independent Men

• Percent who personally own a firearm: 39%

4. Men Overall

• Percent who personally own a firearm: 43%

3. Southern Residents

• Percent who personally own a firearm: 40%

2. Rural Residents

• Percent who personally own a firearm: 51%

1. Republican Men

• Percent who personally own a firearm: 60%