The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates America’s guns and ammunition industry directly generated over $60.5 billion in economic activity in the last two years alone. Much of that was fueled by record-breaking gun sales following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, as millions of Americans across the country – including many first-time gun buyers – flocked to firearm retailers.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, there are over 56,700 federally licensed gun stores in the United States. Adjusting for population, this comes out to about 17 for every 100,000 Americans.
In certain parts of the country, however, the concentration of gun stores is far higher than average. This is particularly the case in states with deeply ingrained gun cultures — where gun rights are well protected and where residents are most likely to have a gun in their home.
Using data from the ATF, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states with the most gun stores. We ranked all 50 states on the number of federally licensed firearm dealers, including pawn shops, for every 100,000 residents. ATF firearm retailer data is current as of October 2023 and was adjusted using population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey.
Across the 50 states, the concentration of gun stores ranges from 3.1 for every 100,000 people to 93.4 per 100,000. Gun stores, like any other retailer, need customers to stay in business, and in the highest ranking states on this list, consumer demand for firearms is above average.
According to the latest annual estimates from a Rand Corporation study published in 2020, the share of households with at least one firearm exceeds 50% in nine of the 10 states with the highest concentration of gun stores. Among the 10 states at the other end of the list, the gun ownership rate is above 30% in only one state.
The states with the most firearm retailers per capita tend to be strong gun rights states — places without licensing requirements, concealed carry permits, waiting periods, or assault-style weapon or magazine capacity restrictions. In fact, the firearm safety laws in nine of the 10 states with the most gun stores per capita received a failing grade from gun violence prevention group Giffords Law Center. Meanwhile, gun safety law grades in the 10 states with the fewest gun stores range from B+ to A. (Here is a look at every state’s grade on gun laws.)
State-level firearm regulations are implemented to keep guns out of the wrong hands and reduce the likelihood of gun violence. With tighter gun laws and lower rates of gun ownership, the states with the fewest gun stores also tend to have less gun violence. According to 2021 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, four of the five states with the lowest firearm fatality rates are also among the five states with the fewest gun stores per capita. (These are the states where gun deaths are rising fastest.)
Here are the states with the most gun stores.
50. New Jersey
Source: Anadolu Agency / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 3.1 per 100,000 people (283 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Brick; 7 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: A
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 8.9% (the lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 5.2 per 100,000 people (3rd lowest of 50 states)
49. Massachusetts
Source: Boston Globe / Boston Globe via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 4.5 per 100,000 people (311 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Framingham; 11 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: A-
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 9.0% (2nd lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 3.4 per 100,000 people (the lowest of 50 states)
48. California
Source: Ted Soqui / Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 4.6 per 100,000 people (1,786 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Bakersfield; 56 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: A
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 16.3% (6th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 9.0 per 100,000 people (8th lowest of 50 states)
47. Hawaii
Source: andym5855 / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 6.5 per 100,000 people (94 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Honolulu; 24 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: A-
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 9.1% (3rd lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 4.8 per 100,000 people (2nd lowest of 50 states)
46. Rhode Island
Source: Courtesy of George Z. via Yelp
- > Firearm stores in state: 6.8 per 100,000 people (74 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Warwick; 7 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: B+
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 13.9% (4th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 5.6 per 100,000 people (5th lowest of 50 states)
45. New York
Source: Dmitro2009 / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 8.6 per 100,000 people (1,690 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Rochester; 24 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: A-
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 14.5% (5th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 5.4 per 100,000 people (4th lowest of 50 states)
44. Maryland
Source: Anadolu Agency / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 9.0 per 100,000 people (552 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Baltimore; 18 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: A-
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 16.7% (7th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 15.2 per 100,000 people (22nd lowest of 50 states)
43. Illinois
Source: Scott Olson / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 9.3 per 100,000 people (1,164 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Springfield; 29 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: A-
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 22.6% (9th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 16.1 per 100,000 people (25th lowest of 50 states)
42. Connecticut
Source: Christopher Capozziello / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 11.7 per 100,000 people (424 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Danbury; 12 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: A-
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 18.8% (8th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 6.7 per 100,000 people (6th lowest of 50 states)
41. Washington
Source: Francis Dean / Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 12.3 per 100,000 people (960 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Spokane; 36 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: B+
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 32.1% (11th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 11.2 per 100,000 people (12th lowest of 50 states)
40. Delaware
Source: Patrick Smith / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 12.4 per 100,000 people (126 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Wilmington; 16 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: B
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 38.7% (21st lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 16.6 per 100,000 people (23rd highest of 50 states)
39. Florida
Source: gordontarpley / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 12.7 per 100,000 people (2,827 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Jacksonville; 92 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: C-
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 28.8% (10th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 14.1 per 100,000 people (17th lowest of 50 states)
38. Nevada
Source: Ethan Miller / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 14.3 per 100,000 people (453 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Las Vegas; 86 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: C+
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 32.9% (12th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 19.8 per 100,000 people (15th highest of 50 states)
37. Georgia
Source: SKapl / iStock via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 16.3 per 100,000 people (1,778 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Marietta; 31 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 37.7% (18th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 20.3 per 100,000 people (14th highest of 50 states)
36. Ohio
Source: bagli / Wikimedia Commons
- > Firearm stores in state: 17.1 per 100,000 people (2,010 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Cincinnati; 61 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 41.9% (23rd highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 16.5 per 100,000 people (24th highest of 50 states)
35. Virginia
Source: mobili / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 17.2 per 100,000 people (1,496 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Virginia Beach; 56 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: B
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 35.3% (13th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 14.3 per 100,000 people (19th lowest of 50 states)
34. Pennsylvania
Source: Spencer Platt / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 18.6 per 100,000 people (2,419 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Pittsburgh; 42 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: B-
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 40.2% (25th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 14.8 per 100,000 people (20th lowest of 50 states)
33. Michigan
Source: Roberto Galan / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 18.7 per 100,000 people (1,875 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Muskegon; 25 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: C+
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 38.9% (22nd lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 15.4 per 100,000 people (23rd lowest of 50 states)
32. Texas
Source: Rick Gershon / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 18.9 per 100,000 people (5,665 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Houston; 291 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 35.5% (14th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 15.6 per 100,000 people (24th lowest of 50 states)
31. Indiana
Source: Scott Olson / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 19.2 per 100,000 people (1,309 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Indianapolis; 54 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 42.4% (21st highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 18.4 per 100,000 people (16th highest of 50 states)
30. Arizona
Source: Marc Lecureuil / Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 19.2 per 100,000 people (1,413 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Phoenix; 148 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 36.0% (16th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 18.3 per 100,000 people (17th highest of 50 states)
29. Tennessee
Source: lisazins / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 19.4 per 100,000 people (1,366 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Memphis; 51 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 46.9% (18th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 22.8 per 100,000 people (10th highest of 50 states)
28. South Carolina
Source: Richard Ellis / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 19.6 per 100,000 people (1,034 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Columbia; 45 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 45.0% (20th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 22.4 per 100,000 people (11th highest of 50 states)
27. North Carolina
Source: J. Michael Jones / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 20.4 per 100,000 people (2,186 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Charlotte; 47 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: C
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 37.1% (17th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 17.3 per 100,000 people (19th highest of 50 states)
26. Alabama
Source: Barry Lewis / In Pictures via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 20.8 per 100,000 people (1,057 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Huntsville; 34 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 52.8% (10th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 26.4 per 100,000 people (4th highest of 50 states)
25. Louisiana
Source: artas / iStock via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 22.8 per 100,000 people (1,046 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Shreveport; 50 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 52.3% (13th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 29.1 per 100,000 people (2nd highest of 50 states)
24. Utah
Source: GEORGE FREY / AFP via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 22.8 per 100,000 people (771 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: St George; 27 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 39.7% (25th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 13.9 per 100,000 people (16th lowest of 50 states)
23. Wisconsin
Source: beigephotos / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 22.9 per 100,000 people (1,350 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Green Bay; 24 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: D+
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 47.1% (17th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 13.5 per 100,000 people (15th lowest of 50 states)
22. Minnesota
Source: eekim / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 23.1 per 100,000 people (1,318 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Rochester; 19 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: C+
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 39.1% (23rd lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 10.0 per 100,000 people (9th lowest of 50 states)
21. New Mexico
Source: saechang / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 24.2 per 100,000 people (511 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Albuquerque; 90 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: C+
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 35.9% (15th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 27.8 per 100,000 people (3rd highest of 50 states)
20. New Hampshire
Source: DOMINICK REUTER / AFP via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 26.1 per 100,000 people (364 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Manchester; 11 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 46.3% (19th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 8.3 per 100,000 people (7th lowest of 50 states)
19. Colorado
Source: mtcurado / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 26.4 per 100,000 people (1,543 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Colorado Springs; 130 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: B
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 37.9% (19th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 17.8 per 100,000 people (18th highest of 50 states)
18. Oregon
Source: ROB KERR / AFP via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 26.9 per 100,000 people (1,139 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Portland; 50 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: B+
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 41.4% (24th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 14.9 per 100,000 people (21st lowest of 50 states)
17. Kentucky
Source: Scott Olson / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 27.9 per 100,000 people (1,261 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Louisville; 82 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 52.5% (12th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 21.1 per 100,000 people (13th highest of 50 states)
16. Mississippi
Source: Courtesy of 144 Tactical Defense via Yelp
- > Firearm stores in state: 28.6 per 100,000 people (841 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Brandon; 26 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 54.1% (8th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 33.9 per 100,000 people (the highest of 50 states)
15. Oklahoma
Source: wfryer / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 29.9 per 100,000 people (1,203 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Oklahoma City; 84 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 54.9% (7th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 21.2 per 100,000 people (12th highest of 50 states)
14. Missouri
Source: Handout / Getty Images News via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 30.7 per 100,000 people (1,896 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Springfield; 53 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 52.8% (10th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 23.2 per 100,000 people (9th highest of 50 states)
13. Maine
Source: VistaVision / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 31.3 per 100,000 people (434 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Skowhegan; 8 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 47.7% (16th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 12.6 per 100,000 people (14th lowest of 50 states)
12. Kansas
Source: BeyondImages / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 33.0 per 100,000 people (968 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Wichita; 74 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 42.3% (22nd highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 17.3 per 100,000 people (19th highest of 50 states)
11. Nebraska
Source: Office of Public Affairs / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 33.4 per 100,000 people (658 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Omaha; 49 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: C
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 39.2% (24th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 10.3 per 100,000 people (10th lowest of 50 states)
10. Iowa
Source: Courtesy of Marion Guns & Gold via Yelp
- > Firearm stores in state: 36.6 per 100,000 people (1,171 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Sioux City; 23 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 38.5% (20th lowest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 11.2 per 100,000 people (12th lowest of 50 states)
9. Arkansas
Source: artas / iStock via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 36.7 per 100,000 people (1,119 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Hot Springs; 36 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 51.8% (14th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 23.3 per 100,000 people (8th highest of 50 states)
8. Vermont
Source: Courtesy of Powderhorn Outdoor Sports Center via Yelp
- > Firearm stores in state: 41.7 per 100,000 people (270 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Rutland; 9 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: C-
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 50.3% (15th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 11.9 per 100,000 people (13th lowest of 50 states)
7. Idaho
Source: Karl Weatherly / Photodisc via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 42.3 per 100,000 people (821 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Boise; 74 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 57.8% (4th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 16.3 per 100,000 people (25th highest of 50 states)
6. West Virginia
Source: jfbenning / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 46.0 per 100,000 people (816 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Martinsburg; 23 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 60.0% (3rd highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 17.3 per 100,000 people (19th highest of 50 states)
5. South Dakota
Source: picture alliance / picture alliance via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 54.1 per 100,000 people (492 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Sioux Falls; 38 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 55.0% (6th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 14.3 per 100,000 people (19th lowest of 50 states)
4. North Dakota
Source: Mike Kemp / In Pictures via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 57.6 per 100,000 people (449 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Bismarck; 41 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 53.3% (9th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 16.8 per 100,000 people (22nd highest of 50 states)
3. Alaska
Source: usarak / Flickr
- > Firearm stores in state: 62.7 per 100,000 people (460 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Anchorage; 92 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 57.2% (5th highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 25.2 per 100,000 people (6th highest of 50 states)
2. Montana
Source: Cheri Alguire / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 76.9 per 100,000 people (863 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Billings; 61 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 65.0% (the highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 25.1 per 100,000 people (7th highest of 50 states)
1. Wyoming
Source: Melissa Kopka / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
- > Firearm stores in state: 93.4 per 100,000 people (543 total)
- > City in state with the most firearm stores: Cheyenne; 48 stores
- > Gun law strength grade: F
- > Share of households with at least one firearm: Approx. 60.7% (2nd highest of 50 states)
- > Firearm fatality rate, 2021: 26.1 per 100,000 people (5th highest of 50 states)
ALERT: Take This Retirement Quiz Now (Sponsored)
Take the quiz below to get matched with a financial advisor today.
Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.
Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future
Take the retirement quiz right here.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.
Editors' Picks
