Understanding who owns guns in America today involves more than political labels or anecdotal impressions.
Nationwide polls and surveys provide the most accurate and representative insights into the demographics of U.S. gun owners, revealing a complex, diverse community shaped by gender, race, geography, education, income, and cultural factors.
With current surveys covering millions of respondents, a statistical portrait emerges that helps inform policy debates and public comprehension of gun ownership’s place in American life.
Gun Ownership Prevalence and Trends
As of 2024-2025, approximately 32% of American adults—about 107 million people—report personally owning at least one firearm. This figure marks a gradual increase in firearm ownership in the U.S. by about 6.7% since 2017 and a 28% rise over the past two decades. Additionally, approximately 43% of households include at least one firearm, showing a moderate increase in household gun ownership since the 1990s.
This growth contrasts with a sharp drop in firearm ownership during the 1980s and 1990s, indicating evolving social dynamics and gun culture in America. The pandemic years (2020–2023) contributed to a surge, adding over 21 million first-time gun owners, many purchasing firearms for personal protection for the first time.
Gender and Race Demographics
Historically, men have disproportionately owned firearms compared to women. In 2025:
- Men are about twice as likely to personally own guns as women, with men representing about 45% gun ownership and women about 22%-24% of ownership.
- Female gun ownership has increased dramatically by 177.8% since 1993, indicating a significant demographic shift in recent decades.
- Among racial groups in 2025, firearm ownership rates vary widely:
- White Americans: approximately 38% ownership.
- Black Americans: around 24% ownership.
- Hispanic Americans: about 20% ownership with rapid increases noted (+33% from 2017 to 2023).
- Asian Americans: estimated 10% ownership.
These shifts are reshaping the "average" gun owner, reflecting broader social changes and emerging urban, suburban, and diverse minority participation in gun ownership.
Age and Geography
Gun ownership skews older but remains present across age groups:
- Ownership is highest among adults aged 50 and older.
- The 18 to 29 age group saw a 22% decline in gun ownership between 2017 and 2023, reflecting changing cultural attitudes among younger generations.
- By location, gun ownership rates are highest in rural areas, with 47% of rural residents owning firearms, compared to 19% in urban areas.
Regionally, the South and parts of the Midwest hold the highest firearm ownership rates. Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas are examples of states where over 50% of adults own guns, whereas states like Massachusetts and New Jersey report much lower rates near 15%.
Education, Income, and Family Status
Ownership is spread across education and income levels, but certain trends emerge:
- Firearm ownership is somewhat higher among those with a high school education or some college rather than postgraduate degrees.
- Households earning between $30,000 to $75,000 annually report ownership rates near 33%, similar to higher income households over $75,000.
- Married individuals are significantly more likely to own firearms than unmarried individuals. Southern married men report gun ownership as high as 64% compared to unmarried women around 10%-13%.
Children in the household also modestly increase the likelihood of gun ownership, likely reflecting protection and recreational use motives.
Gun Type Ownership and Multiple Firearms
The average gun owner holds between one and five firearms. Key ownership patterns:
- 66% of gun owners have more than one firearm.
- 62% of single-gun owners possess a handgun.
- Ownership of rifles, especially AR-15 style and similar semi-automatic rifles, continues to grow, estimated at over 24 million AR-style rifles in civilian hands.
Firearm Activities
Participation in shooting sports, hunting, collecting, and other firearm-related activities varies by gender:
- Men report higher engagement in hunting (37% men vs. 28% women) and shooting ranges (58% men vs. 43% women).
- Women are more likely to engage online and socially with gun communities, such as attending gun shows and participating in online forums.
Public Opinion and Political Views
Gun owners and non-owners often diverge sharply in attitudes toward gun laws and use:
- About 74% of gun owners view gun ownership as essential to their freedom, whereas only 35% of non-owners agree.
- Bipartisan consensus exists on preventing the mentally ill from acquiring firearms (~89% support).
- Significant splits remain on assault weapon bans, concealed carry permissions, and federal databases to track gun sales.
Political affiliation strongly correlates with gun ownership and support for various firearm policies. Conservative Republicans are the most likely to own guns and oppose expanded restrictions, while Democrats and non-owners generally support stricter laws.
Conclusion
The modern American gun owner in 2025 is diverse, multifaceted, and evolving. Men remain the majority, but female ownership is rising rapidly. Ownership spans racial groups, income classes, and educational backgrounds, concentrated heavily in rural and Southern states but present nationwide. Firearms play multiple roles for owners—from protection and hunting to recreation and sociocultural identity.
About The Author
Jake Smith (@notjakesmith) is a copywriter and photographer based in the Pacific Northwest who enjoys shooting pictures and ammunition outdoors.