Where Gun Violence in the U.S. Prevails
When it comes to gun violence, incidents seem to occur more frequently in certain areas. More specifically, incident of gun violence occur more frequently in some states than in others. Here are five such states:
Louisiana. In Louisiana, 45.6 percent of households have a gun. In 2011, there were 19 deaths attributed to guns for every 100,000 residents. In that same year, the state had the highest murder and suicide rates. In Louisiana, residents do not have to obtain a permit to carry a firearm.
Mississippi. In this state, 54.3 percent of households have a registered gun. The state claims the nation’s highest poverty rate, and Mississippi has the second-highest murder rate in the nation.
Alaska. 60.6 percent of households in Alaska have a gun. The state has the second highest rate of violent crime in the nation, trailing only Tennessee. Guns are readily available in this state where poverty rates are not considered to be a factor in crime.
Wyoming. Although Wyoming is the 4th highest state in the nation when it comes to gun crimes, it is important to take population into account. It is the least populous state in the country. Violent crime is below the national average, but suicide by gun rates are second highest.
Montana. Murder rates are low in Montana, but the rate of suicide in the state leads the nation. According to the American Psychological Association, suicide rates are higher in areas that are more rural and less populated.
So, which states have the lowest numbers when it comes to gun violence? Rhode Island, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey top the list. These states are followed by Connecticut, New Hampshire, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
As a whole, the United States has a gun death rate of just over 10 people per 100,000. In comparison, the death rate by gun in the United Kingdom in 2011 sat at 0.23 per 100,000. In Australia, the number of gun deaths are 0.86 per 100,000. The UK has 1/45th the amount of gun violence of America. Australia had 1/12th the level.
It is important to note that there are other factors to consider when it comes to death by gun rates. Factors such as poverty, average level of education, average level of unemployment, and access to health care can be attributed to gun violence in some way.