Firearm Violence Rates in America Compared To 14 High-Income Countries
The United States often takes center stage when analyzing global firearm violence. Statistics reveal the stark disparities that exist between the United States and its major economic counterparts regarding firearm mortality rates.
US Firearm Fatalities Per Year
The U.S. experiences approximately 11.9 firearm fatalities per 100,000 people each year. To put that into perspective, Americans are 25 times more likely to pass away at the hands of a firearm homicide than citizens of other high-income nations, including the following 14 countries.
1: Sweden
Sweden experiences 2.8 firearm deaths per 100,000 citizens yearly. The firearm ownership rate in Sweden is relatively high, at 23.1 registered weapons per 100 citizens. However, the country has strict regulations on purchasing and owning firearms.
2: France
Each year, there are about 2.4 firearm-related deaths in France per 100,000 citizens. France has some of the strictest firearm regulations in Europe but has had issues with citizens importing weapons from neighboring countries like Belgium.
3: Canada
In Canada, firearm deaths sit at just below two per 100,000 citizens. Though Canada ranks sixth in the world for firearm ownership, it has rigorous firearm control laws, especially around handguns.
4: Norway
Norway only sees 1.5 firearm deaths per 100,000 citizens each year. Though there are over 28 registered firearms per 100 citizens, most of these are for hunting and outdoor pursuits. Norway requires strict background checks and training before making a firearm purchase.
5: Israel
There are 1.3 firearm deaths per 100,000 citizens in Israel yearly. Very few people own firearms in this Middle Eastern country, and gun-control laws are especially strict.
6: New Zealand
New Zealand has about 1.3 firearm-related deaths per 100,000 citizens each year. Many Kiwis own firearms to hunt or use in recreational pursuits, but after the 2019 Mosque Church shooting, New Zealand significantly tightened rules on firearm ownership.
7: Italy
Italy only sees 1.2 firearm-related deaths per 100,000 citizens yearly despite having a relatively large number of firearms per capita. The boot-shaped country has tight firearm laws, including registration and storage restrictions.
8: Germany
Germany averages one death per 100,000 citizens related to firearms each year. To own a firearm in Deutschland, citizens must obtain a possession card from the local authorities.
9: Australia
The land down under sees less than one firearm death per 100,000 citizens per year. In 1996, Australia issued one of the largest gun buyback programs ever to exist, during which the government confiscated over 650,000 weapons.
10: Ireland
In Ireland, there are approximately 0.9 firearm-related deaths per 100,000 citizens per year. Few people own high-powered weapons on the Emerald Isle, with only 7.2 registered firearms per 100 people.
11: Spain
Spain experiences 0.6 deaths attributable to firearms per 100,000 people each year. The low number may be attributable to Spain’s strict firearm laws. Citizens cannot purchase weapons for home protection; only hunting-related firearms are legal.
12: United Kingdom
The U.K. only sees 0.2 firearm deaths per 100,000 citizens per year. After a school shooting in Scotland in 1996, the United Kingdom chose to ban handgun ownership.
13: South Korea
There are 0.1 deaths from firearms per 100,000 citizens in South Korea. Strict ownership laws forbid assault-style weapons and require citizens to obtain a license before purchasing a firearm for hunting.
14: Japan
Japan has a firearm death rate of zero. The island nation has strict laws surrounding ownership and possession. Japanese cultural norms also emphasize crime prevention through means that don’t involve utilizing a firearm.
Firearm Ownership Rates by State Ranked From 1 to 50
Do you know which states have the highest and lowest rates of firearm ownership? Find out where your state stands.
Firearm Ownership Rates by State Ranked From 1 to 50
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