Gun-related deaths in the United States remain alarmingly high, despite a slight decline from peak levels in 2021 and 2022. According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, 46,728 people died from gun-related injuries in 2023. While this marks the second consecutive year of decline, the overall toll remains among the highest on record.
Breakdown of U.S. Gun Deaths in 2023
Gun-related fatalities fall into several categories:
| Category | Number of Deaths | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Suicides | 27,300 | 58% |
| Murders | 17,927 | 38% |
| Law Enforcement-Related | 604 | 1.3% |
| Accidental | 463 | 1.0% |
| Undetermined Circumstances | 434 | 0.9% |
The data highlights a critical yet often overlooked fact: nearly six in ten gun deaths are suicides, not homicides. While mass shootings and violent crime dominate headlines, gun-related suicides have been steadily rising for decades.
Trends in U.S. Gun Deaths Over Time
- The number of gun deaths in 2023 (46,728) was the third-highest total on record, trailing only 2021 (48,830) and 2022 (48,204).
- Gun homicides surged during the COVID-19 pandemic but have since declined 14% from 2021 levels.
- Gun suicides hit a record high in 2023, continuing an upward trend seen over the past two decades.
On a per capita basis, the U.S. gun death rate in 2023 was 13.7 per 100,000 people, down from 14.6 per 100,000 in 2021 but still among the highest in modern history.
Gun Violence Across U.S. States
Gun death rates vary significantly by state:
Highest Gun Death Rates (Per 100,000 People, 2023)
- District of Columbia – 30.6
- Mississippi – 29.4
- Louisiana – 28.3
- Alabama – 25.6
- New Mexico – 25.3
Lowest Gun Death Rates (Per 100,000 People, 2023)
- Massachusetts – 3.7
- New Jersey – 4.6
- New York – 4.7
- Rhode Island – 4.8
- Hawaii – 4.9
Notably, gun murders and gun suicides have different geographical patterns.
- Gun murder rates are highest in urban areas, while gun suicides are more common in rural states with higher gun ownership rates.
The U.S. Gun Death Rate vs. Other Countries
Compared to other developed nations, the U.S. has a far higher rate of gun-related deaths:
| Country | Gun Deaths per 100,000 People (2016 Study) |
|---|---|
| United States | 10.6 |
| Canada | 2.1 |
| France | 2.7 |
| Germany | 0.9 |
| Australia | 1.0 |
| El Salvador | 39.2 |
| Venezuela | 38.7 |
The U.S. ranks 20th in global firearm fatality rates, with rates significantly higher than most European and developed nations.
Mass Shootings in the U.S.
Mass shootings remain a small fraction of overall gun deaths but are a major public concern. In 2023:
- The FBI recorded 48 active shooter incidents, resulting in 105 deaths.
- The Gun Violence Archive reported 722 deaths in mass shootings (defined as incidents where at least four people were shot).
While mass shootings receive extensive media attention, suicides and everyday gun violence account for the majority of firearm-related deaths.
Most Common Firearms Used in Gun Murders
The FBI’s 2023 data on gun homicides shows:
- Handguns were involved in 53% of gun murders.
- Rifles (including so-called assault weapons) accounted for 4%.
- Shotguns were used in 1%.
- The remaining 42% involved unspecified or other types of firearms.
What’s Next?
While gun murders are declining, gun suicides are at record levels, highlighting a growing mental health crisis. The data underscores the importance of suicide prevention efforts alongside broader debates over gun control policies.
With ongoing policy discussions, state-level gun regulations, and shifting public opinion, the future of U.S. gun violence trends remains uncertain.
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