Americans have long debated the role of firearms, but one thing is sure — some states are far more armed than others. New data from Cassandra McBride, published on Ammo.com, breaks down just how many guns are in each state heading into 2025. From strict regulation and low ownership to states where firearms outnumber residents, the numbers tell a striking story about culture, law, and tradition.
In this ranking, we’ll move from the least armed states to the most heavily armed. Whether your state ends up near the bottom or tops the list, these figures reveal how deeply firearms are woven into daily life across the country — and how policies can shape who owns what, and where.
1: New Jersey
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 14.7
- Number of Guns: 102,228
- Permit to Purchase Required: Yes
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 63
New Jersey has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation. This results in low ownership and very few recovered firearms.
2: Massachusetts
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 14.7
- Number of Guns: 45,138
- Permit to Purchase Required: Yes
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 49
Massachusetts has strong permit requirements that help keep gun numbers low. Limited recovery rates show effective enforcement.
3: Rhode Island
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 14.8
- Number of Guns: 4,887
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 39
Rhode Island relies on background checks to regulate firearms. Its small size keeps overall gun totals low.
4: Hawaii
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 14.9
- Number of Guns: 9,280
- Permit to Purchase Required: Yes
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 12
Hawaii’s isolation and strict permitting lead to very low gun ownership. Few firearms are recovered annually.
5: New York
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 19.2
- Number of Guns: 92,191
- Permit to Purchase Required: Yes
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 148
New York’s laws keep firearm ownership lower than average despite a large population. Recovery numbers remain moderate.
6: Connecticut
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 23.6
- Number of Guns: 74,874
- Permit to Purchase Required: Yes
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 538
Connecticut has strict permit and background check rules. This helps maintain control over its firearm numbers.
7: Illinois
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 27.8
- Number of Guns: 144,749
- Permit to Purchase Required: Yes
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 1,183
Illinois has strict checks but still sees high recovery rates. This suggests strong enforcement alongside urban challenges.
8: California
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 28.3
- Number of Guns: 406,630
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 1,482
California’s strict background checks keep gun rates relatively low for its population size. Enforcement remains a top priority.
9: Maryland
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 30.2
- Number of Guns: 136,257
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 154
Maryland balances moderate ownership with thorough checks. Recovery rates stay controlled thanks to regulations.
10: Delaware
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 34.4
- Number of Guns: 6,092
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 1,238
Delaware’s low population shows a stark contrast with recovery numbers. Illegal firearms remain a challenge.
11: Florida
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 35.3
- Number of Guns: 518,725
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 4,762
Florida has a high volume of firearms and recovery cases. Its laws are more relaxed than many states.
12: Ohio
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 40.0
- Number of Guns: 208,661
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 2,834
Ohio’s lack of strict purchase requirements drives higher ownership. Recovery numbers reflect this trend.
13: Michigan
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 40.2
- Number of Guns: 109,835
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 685
Michigan blends moderate gun ownership with mandatory checks. This balance helps manage firearm circulation.
14: Pennsylvania
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 40.7
- Number of Guns: 348,167
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 2,347
Pennsylvania’s strong checks help address its large firearm base. Recovery efforts are consistent with state policies.
15: Oregon
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 40.8
- Number of Guns: 97,474
- Permit to Purchase Required: Yes
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 892
Oregon uses permits and checks to keep firearms controlled. Recovery rates are moderate for its population.
16: New Hampshire
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 41.1
- Number of Guns: 72,433
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 316
New Hampshire has fewer restrictions, leading to steady ownership levels. Recovery numbers remain fairly low.
17: Washington
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 42.1
- Number of Guns: 165,534
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 841
Washington relies on background checks to manage firearms. Ownership remains moderate compared to other states.
18: Minnesota
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 42.8
- Number of Guns: 129,825
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 125
Minnesota’s low recovery numbers show effective management. Its ownership rates stay near the national midpoint.
19: Iowa
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 43.6
- Number of Guns: 54,178
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 513
Iowa has steady gun ownership without heavy regulation. Recovery figures reflect consistent but controlled issues.
20: Virginia
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 44.6
- Number of Guns: 423,707
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 3,909
Virginia’s strong firearm presence matches its lack of strict rules. Recovery rates are higher due to volume.
21: Indiana
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 44.8
- Number of Guns: 157,546
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 4,135
Indiana has high gun ownership and no purchase requirements. Recovery rates are significant due to relaxed laws.
22: Colorado
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 45.1
- Number of Guns: 149,382
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 902
Colorado combines moderate ownership with background checks. Recovery levels remain steady across urban and rural areas.
23: Nebraska
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 45.2
- Number of Guns: 43,261
- Permit to Purchase Required: Yes
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 85
Nebraska requires permits, helping limit firearm numbers. Recovery rates stay very low compared to national figures.
24: Wisconsin
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 45.3
- Number of Guns: 95,430
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 857
Wisconsin has moderate gun ownership and minimal restrictions. Recovery efforts align with its statewide trends.
25: Texas
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 45.7
- Number of Guns: 1,005,555
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 6,434
Texas leads the country in total firearms. Its lack of restrictions results in high recovery numbers.
26: North Carolina
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 45.8
- Number of Guns: 222,166
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 3,102
North Carolina has widespread ownership with limited controls. Recovery rates match its large firearm base.
27: New Mexico
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 46.2
- Number of Guns: 122,968
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 479
New Mexico’s high ownership comes with minimal regulation. Recovery totals are moderate given its population size.
28: Arizona
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 46.3
- Number of Guns: 258,691
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 1,972
Arizona’s relaxed laws lead to high ownership. Recovery numbers are significant across urban and rural regions.
29: Maine
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 46.8
- Number of Guns: 21,396
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 316
Maine’s small population keeps total firearms lower. Recovery numbers are also relatively low.
30: Utah
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 46.8
- Number of Guns: 118,408
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 912
Utah shows high ownership and minimal oversight. Recovery rates are moderate for its population.
31: Nevada
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 47.3
- Number of Guns: 119,007
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 2,468
Nevada’s strong gun culture drives high ownership. Background checks help manage circulation, but recovery remains high.
32: Missouri
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 48.8
- Number of Guns: 113,351
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 2,511
Missouri has very high ownership and few restrictions. Recovery totals are significant across the state.
33: Kansas
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 48.9
- Number of Guns: 69,850
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 725
Kansas maintains high ownership without strict rules. Recovery rates stay moderate compared to similar states.
34: Georgia
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 49.2
- Number of Guns: 304,124
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 7,515
Georgia’s very high ownership matches its population growth. Recovery numbers show ongoing enforcement challenges.
35: South Carolina
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 49.4
- Number of Guns: 119,205
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 3,683
South Carolina has few restrictions and high ownership. Recovery numbers are large for its size.
36: Vermont
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 50.5
- Number of Guns: 9,451
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: Yes
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 130
Vermont’s population is small, but ownership remains high. Background checks help manage firearm movement.
37: Tennessee
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 51.6
- Number of Guns: 151,536
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 2,946
Tennessee has high ownership with minimal regulation. Recovery numbers reflect its widespread firearm culture.
38: Oklahoma
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 51.7
- Number of Guns: 103,368
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 1,286
Oklahoma’s relaxed rules encourage high ownership. Recovery totals are significant for its population.
39: Louisiana
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 53.1
- Number of Guns: 152,061
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 1,719
Louisiana’s cultural traditions drive strong firearm ownership. Recovery figures reflect its enforcement workload.
40: Kentucky
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 54.6
- Number of Guns: 108,833
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 2,555
Kentucky’s lack of restrictions results in high ownership. Recovery rates are substantial for its size.
41: North Dakota
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 55.1
- Number of Guns: 30,975
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 74
North Dakota’s rural setting drives high ownership rates. Recovery numbers remain low overall.
42: South Dakota
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 55.3
- Number of Guns: 64,666
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 45
South Dakota has very high ownership with few controls. Recovery totals are low due to population size.
43: Mississippi
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 55.8
- Number of Guns: 80,712
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 3,106
Mississippi’s high ownership and minimal restrictions make enforcement challenging. Recovery totals are high for its size.
44: Alabama
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 55.8
- Number of Guns: 194,920
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 2,291
Alabama’s high numbers reflect its strong gun culture. Recovery totals are consistent with its population size.
45: Arkansas
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 57.2
- Number of Guns: 133,981
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 1,223
Arkansas maintains very high ownership. Recovery efforts focus on widespread rural regions.
46: West Virginia
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 58.5
- Number of Guns: 50,963
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 1,278
West Virginia’s rural areas drive gun ownership rates. Recovery numbers are significant given its small population.
47: Idaho
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 60.1
- Number of Guns: 76,425
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 655
Idaho has one of the highest ownership rates nationally. Recovery rates stay moderate compared to volume.
48: Alaska
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 64.5
- Number of Guns: 28,237
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 83
Alaska’s frontier lifestyle contributes to high gun ownership. Low population keeps recovery totals smaller.
49: Wyoming
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 66.2
- Number of Guns: 142,247
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 123
Wyoming leads with one of the highest per-capita gun counts. Recovery totals are low due to sparse population.
50: Montana
- Guns Per 100 Residents: 66.3
- Number of Guns: 36,678
- Permit to Purchase Required: No
- State Background Check Required: No
- Number of ATF Recovered Firearms: 82
Montana tops the list with the highest per-capita ownership. Its small population keeps recovery numbers low.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.
