Firearm Fatality Frontrunners: 20 States Leading with the Lowest Rates

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In every state, gun fatalities vary, but there are twenty states where these tragedies occur less frequently. These states provide a sense of safety, whether visiting or living there. They demonstrate the diverse safety measures and policies implemented nationwide, highlighting the importance of ongoing efforts to minimize the impact of gun violence.

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New Jersey records a firearm fatality rate of 5.5 per 100,000 people. Tourists are drawn to the vibrant lights of Atlantic City, where they can indulge in round-the-clock gambling and soak up the sun on pristine beaches. Nature enthusiasts find solace in the serene landscapes of the Delaware Gap National Recreation Area. Individuals must undergo a thorough background check and obtain a permit to purchase a firearm in New Jersey. The state also boasts stringent regulations on concealed carry permits and robust measures against ghost firearms.

Washington

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In Washington, the firearm fatality rate stands at 9.0 per 100,000 residents. The Evergreen State boasts expansive trails through verdant forests in the summer and superb skiing in the winter. Visitors drawn to urban experiences and top-notch cuisine will delight in Seattle’s offerings. While Washington has robust firearm laws overall, some critics point to weak regulations on open carry. However, stringent measures such as mandatory background checks for all firearm sales, Extreme Risk regulations, and laws promoting police accountability underscore the state’s commitment to safety. Additionally, Washington has made substantial investments in community violence intervention funding.

Rhode Island

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Rhode Island maintains a firearms fatality rate of 4.0 per 100,000 residents. Explorers in Rhode Island can enjoy cliff walks, roam around the state capital of Providence, and even hop on a ferry to Block Island for more adventures. The state recently enacted laws explicitly addressing domestic violence concerning firearms and has banned ghost guns and high-capacity magazines. Researchers speculate that the stringent firearm laws in neighboring states contribute to Rhode Island’s relatively low firearm mortality rate.

Iowa

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Iowa records a firearm fatality rate of 9.2 per 100,000 residents. The Hawkeye State holds significance as the filming location for the iconic baseball movie Field of Dreams. In Des Moines, tourists can immerse themselves in numerous museums and art galleries, while Maquoketa Caves State Park offers over 100 caves for exploration. Despite Iowa’s relatively favorable ranking on WalletHub’s list, concerns among anti-firearm activists arise due to potential legislative changes. Proposed measures include the elimination of permit-to-purchase and concealed carry permit requirements, raising apprehensions about the state’s future firearm regulations.

Delaware

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Delaware reports a relatively low firearm fatality rate of 10.9 per 100,000 residents, marking it as the first state to surpass the double-digit threshold. Visitors to Delaware are in for an enjoyable experience, as the state boasts rich historical sites, stunning beaches, and delectable cuisine. The First State National Historical Park offers an immersive journey into the region’s past, while the opulent DuPont family estates showcase remarkable architecture and gardens. Delaware maintains above-average firearm law strength, enabling the state to hold firearm manufacturers accountable for irresponsible practices. However, despite these measures, Delaware lacks a permit-to-purchase system and robust regulations for open carry.

Massachusetts

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Massachusetts boasts a commendably low firearm fatality rate of 3.4 per 100,000 individuals. According to Everytown Research, this accomplishment reflects the state’s stringent gun safety measures. Visitors enjoy diverse activities, from Fenway Park games to exploring Martha’s Vineyard. Massachusetts leads in gun violence prevention, barring purchases by those with warrants and enforcing secure firearm storage. It invests in community violence intervention and maintains a dedicated Gun Violence Prevention office, exemplifying its comprehensive approach to safety.

New York

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In New York, the firearm fatality rate stands at 4.4 per 100,000 people. While New York City bustles day and night, tourists can enrich their experience by venturing to Upstate NY, where the Adirondack Mountains, Finger Lakes, and charming wineries beckon. Notably, New York upholds strict liability laws targeting the firearm industry, pioneering such legislation in the US to ensure manufacturers are responsible for hazardous practices. Everytown Research recognizes New York’s robust firearm laws, ranking it second nationwide. Additionally, the Empire State boasts a relatively low rate of firearm ownership.

Nebraska

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Nebraska reports a firearm fatality rate of 9.1 per 100,000 people. While the Cornhusker State may not always be a top destination for the average traveler, those who visit are in for a pleasant surprise. The Sandhills region boasts breathtaking landscapes of prairies and dunes, while the iconic Scotts Bluff National Monument offers 3,000 acres of scenic beauty above the North Platte River. Despite these attractions, Nebraska’s firearm laws are relatively lax, a point of contention for pro-firearm activists. The absence of an Extreme Risk law or regulations concerning secure firearm storage to prevent children’s access highlights the state’s lenient stance on gun control. Notably, Nebraska’s firearm legislation has seen minimal changes in recent years, a source of frustration for both proponents and opponents of stricter gun regulations.

Minnesota

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Firearm fatalities rise notably in Minnesota, with 7.6 deaths per 100,000 people, still lower than in the most dangerous states. Minnesota is a haven for water enthusiasts with over 1,000 miles of canoe routes and offers hiking in the Superior National Forest. However, its position on WalletHub’s list leans towards supporting looser firearm laws, and Everytown Research ranks it lower in firearm legislation progress. High-capacity magazines are legal, there’s no Extreme Risk law, and not all firearm sales require background checks.

Illinois

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Illinois reports a firearm fatality rate of 11.6 per 100,000 residents. While Chicago offers a culinary paradise, sticking to its safer tourist areas is advisable for foodies, with the renowned deep-dish pizza as a highlight. Capture a photo at The Bean in Millennium Park before heading to Illinois Beach State Park, boasting dunes, beaches, and forests. Despite its robust firearm safety laws, Illinois faces challenges due to weaker regulations in neighboring states. Some speculate that Indiana, near Chicago, serves as a significant source for illegally trafficked firearms, impacting Illinois’ fatality rates.

Oregon

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Oregon reports a firearm fatality rate of 11.8 per 100,000 residents. Opting to rent a car offers a fantastic way to explore Oregon’s picturesque coastline at your leisure. The Columbia River Gorge beckons with various outdoor pursuits, while Portland boasts some of the state’s finest craft beer and coffee shops. Despite its relatively low ranking, Oregon maintains above-average firearm law strength. Requirements include obtaining a permit and undergoing training for firearm purchases, with colleges and universities empowered to prohibit firearms on their premises.

Connecticut

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Connecticut secures a position among the top five states, recording 4.6 firearm fatalities per 100,000 residents. This charming Constitution State invites visitors to discover picturesque New England towns and unwind on scenic beaches. History enthusiasts flock to Hartford, renowned for its museums, art galleries, and theaters. In response to the tragic 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Connecticut enacted legislation to bolster its firearm regulations, including bans on high-capacity magazines and mandatory background checks.

North Dakota

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North Dakota reports a firearm fatality rate of 11.9 per 100,000 people. Theodore Roosevelt National Park showcases the state’s renowned Badlands. North Dakota’s notable placement on WalletHub’s list surprises many, considering its below-average firearm law strength. With only ten of the recommended 50 key firearm policies in place, the state’s legislative approach to gun control differs significantly from its ranking. This juxtaposition prompts discussions regarding the efficacy of existing firearm regulations and their impact on public safety.

California

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California registers a firearm fatality rate of 7.9 per 100,000 residents. The Golden State offers tourists many attractions, from iconic cities like Los Angeles to scenic drives along coastal cliffs and skiing adventures in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Everytown Research hails California as the top-ranking state for firearm law strength. Its legislation ranges from banning firearm marketing to children to mandating microstamping technology on all handheld firearms, facilitating crime-tracing efforts. According to the State of California Department of Justice, despite the United States’ high gun violence rates compared to other affluent nations, California boasts one of the country’s lowest firearm mortality rates, ranking 44th out of 50 states.

Maryland

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Maryland registers a firearm fatality rate of 11.8 per 100,000 people. Visitors can savor local Maryland crab along the picturesque Chesapeake Bay while taking in breathtaking views. History buffs find intrigue at Antietam National Battlefield, offering insight into America’s Civil War era. Exploring Assateague Island National Seashore delights tourists with encounters with wild horses. Despite boasting some of the nation’s strictest firearm laws, Maryland grapples with a disproportionately high firearm fatality rate. Critics point to neighboring states, suggesting that lax regulations facilitate the influx of out-of-state firearms, particularly impacting cities like Baltimore.

Vermont

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Vermont records a firearm fatality rate of 11.0 per 100,000 residents. The picturesque Green Mountains entice visitors with over 1,000 miles of hiking trails, while winter enthusiasts can enjoy ample skiing and snow-based activities. Woodstock stands out as a must-visit destination on any comprehensive Vermont itinerary. The state maintains most standard firearm laws, though it notably lacks a secure storage regulation. Critics argue that implementing such a law could potentially reduce firearm fatalities resulting from suicides.

Maine

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Maine reports a firearm fatality rate of 8.2 per 100,000 people. Tourists flock to Maine for its renowned lobster dishes and many dining options. The state also entices visitors with its picturesque lighthouses and historic towns. However, Maine’s firearm laws are relatively lax, lacking provisions such as an Extreme Risk law, waiting periods after purchase, or mandatory background checks for all firearm transactions. Critics attribute the high percentage of firearm-related suicides, accounting for 89% of deaths, to these lenient laws. Some argue that the stringent firearm laws may influence Maine’s relatively low firearm fatality rate in neighboring states.

Wisconsin

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Wisconsin reports a firearm fatality rate of 11.4 per 100,000 people. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, nestled in Lake Superior, draws numerous travelers seeking natural beauty. Families visiting Wisconsin in the summer flock to the iconic Wisconsin Dells, renowned for its thrilling water parks. Despite its attractions, Wisconsin’s firearm laws remain relatively lax, experiencing minimal changes in recent years. Notably, the state lacks mandatory background checks for all firearm purchases and an Extreme Risk law, raising concerns among advocates for stricter gun regulations.

New Hampshire

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New Hampshire reports a firearm fatality rate of 9.3 per 100,000 people. The Granite State boasts Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States. Amidst hiking adventures in the White Mountains or cycling along the scenic Kancamagus Highway, tourists can explore boutique shops and charming eateries in Portsmouth. However, New Hampshire’s firearm laws are notably weaker than New England’s. Everytown Research categorizes its regulations as “national failures,” given their inadequacy. With an above-average rate of firearm-related suicides, some advocates urge legislators to enact Extreme Risk and other protective measures to enhance public safety.

Hawaii

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With a firearm fatality rate of 4.5 per 100,000 people, Hawaii boasts a diverse landscape of eight major islands, atolls, and smaller islets, offering ample opportunities for land and boat exploration. Visitors shouldn’t miss the chance to snorkel alongside Hawaiian green sea turtles! Notably, purchasing a firearm in Hawaii entails applying for a license and completing a firearm safety course. These regulations contribute to Hawaii’s ranking as the third-strongest state regarding firearm law strength.