Washington DC Dominates The US Gun-Deaths League

Gun violence is a persistent public health concern in the United States with variations across states. Preliminary data indicates approximately 30,100 gun-related deaths occurred between January and August 2024, a 5% decrease from 2023. The gun-related death rate initially decreased from the early 1990s until 2014, but rose again by 2023. Washington D.C. had the highest gun death rate in 2023, while Hawaii, Utah, and Nebraska had the lowest. Gun suicides consistently account for the majority of gun deaths in the U.S., representing 58% of fatalities in 2023. Murders comprised 38% of gun-related deaths in the same year. The U.S. has more guns than people, with almost 400 million in civilian hands. States vary significantly in the percentage of adults who own guns. Regional and demographic factors contribute to the disparity in gun violence across states.