Gun Deaths in the U.S.: A Deep Dive Into the 2023 Data

Gun Deaths in the U.S.: A Deep Dive Into the 2023 Data.

The number of guns Americans bought in 2024 exceeded 13.6 million, however gun sales have been declining steadily since 2020.

In 2023, nearly 47,000 people lost their lives due to gun-related injuries in the United States, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite a decrease in gun deaths for the second consecutive year, the numbers remain alarmingly high and continue to rank among the worst in history.

This article explores the latest trends in gun deaths in the U.S., based on data from the CDC, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other key sources.

We also dive into public sentiment around gun violence and the policies aimed at addressing it.

How Many People Die from Gun-Related Injuries in the U.S. Each Year?

In 2023, a total of 46,728 people died from gun-related injuries in the United States, according to the CDC. These deaths include:

• Gun murders
• Gun suicides
• Deaths involving law enforcement, accidents, and those with undetermined circumstances

This total excludes cases where gunshot injuries played a role, but weren’t the primary cause of death. CDC statistics are based on official death certificates that record a single cause of death.

The Number of Mass Shootings Fell Significantly in 2024. figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Breakdown of Gun Deaths: Murders vs. Suicides

While gun murders often dominate public discussion, gun suicides actually account for the majority of gun-related deaths in the U.S. Here's the breakdown for 2023:

• 58% of gun deaths were suicides (27,300 deaths)
• 38% were murders (17,927 deaths)
• The remaining deaths were caused by law enforcement actions (604 deaths), accidents (463 deaths), or were of undetermined circumstances (434 deaths).

What Share of Murders and Suicides Involve Guns?

• Gun Murders: In 2023, approximately 79% of all murders (17,927 out of 22,830) involved a firearm. This is one of the highest percentages recorded since 1968, the earliest year for which the CDC provides online data.

• Gun Suicides: Guns were used in 55% of all suicides (27,300 out of 49,316) in 2023, which is among the highest percentages since 2000.

How Have Gun Deaths Changed Over Time?

While the total number of gun deaths in 2023 was among the highest ever, the rate of gun deaths per capita has been gradually decreasing in recent years. Here's a look at the numbers:

• 13.7 gun deaths per 100,000 people in 2023 (down from 14.2 in 2022 and 14.6 in 2021).
• The peak of 16.3 gun deaths per 100,000 occurred in 1974.

Gun Murders vs. Gun Suicides: A Closer Look at Trends

• Gun Murders: After a significant rise in 2020 and 2021, gun murders have decreased substantially. From a record high of 20,958 in 2021, they fell to 17,927 in 2023, representing a 14% decrease.

• Gun Suicides: Gun suicides have been on the rise for much of the past two decades, peaking at 27,300 in 2023.

State-by-State Gun Death Rates: Where Does Your State Stand?

Gun death rates vary greatly across the U.S. Here's a snapshot of the highest and lowest rates in 2023:

States with the Highest Gun Death Rates:

1. District of Columbia (30.6 per 100,000)
2. Mississippi (29.4)
3. Louisiana (28.3)
4. Alabama (25.6)
5. New Mexico (25.3)

States with the Lowest Gun Death Rates:

1. Massachusetts (3.7 per 100,000)
2. New Jersey (4.6)
3. New York (4.7)
4. Rhode Island (4.8)
5. Hawaii (4.9)

These statistics take into account gun murders, suicides, and all other gun-related fatalities tracked by the CDC.

Comparing U.S. Gun Deaths to Other Countries

When it comes to gun-related fatalities, the U.S. stands out for its high rates, especially when compared to other developed nations. In 2016, the U.S. had a gun death rate of 10.6 per 100,000, which is far higher than countries like:

• Canada (2.1 per 100,000)
• Australia (1.0 per 100,000)
• France (2.7 per 100,000)
• Germany (0.9 per 100,000)
• Spain (0.6 per 100,000)

However, the U.S. rate remains lower than that of several Latin American countries, including:

• El Salvador (39.2 per 100,000)
• Venezuela (38.7 per 100,000)
• Guatemala (32.3 per 100,000)
• Colombia (25.9 per 100,000)
• Honduras (22.5 per 100,000)

In 2016, the U.S. ranked 20th globally in gun fatalities.

How Many People Are Killed in Mass Shootings Each Year?

The term “mass shooting” lacks a universally agreed-upon definition, which makes determining the exact number of fatalities tricky. According to the FBI, 105 people were killed in active shooter incidents in 2023. Active shooter incidents involve one or more individuals actively engaged in attempting to kill people in a populated area.

Alternatively, the Gun Violence Archive defines mass shootings as any incident where four or more people are shot, regardless of fatalities. Under this definition, 722 people died in mass shootings in 2023.

RELATED: Columbine Shooting Survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter’s Dies

Trends in Mass Shootings Over Time

Tracking mass shootings over time is difficult due to varying definitions and the unpredictable nature of such incidents. However, the FBI reports a steady increase in active shooter incidents between 2000 and 2023. For example, the FBI recorded just 3 incidents in 2000, which increased to 48 incidents in 2023.

Which Firearms Are Most Commonly Used in Gun Murders?

In 2023, the FBI recorded the following breakdown of gun types involved in 13,529 murders and non-negligent manslaughters:

• Handguns: 53%
• Rifles (including "assault weapons"): 4%
• Shotguns: 1%
• Other firearms or unspecified types: 42%

The Ongoing Gun Violence Crisis in the U.S.

Gun violence continues to be a serious public health issue in the U.S., with nearly 47,000 people dying from gun-related injuries in 2023. While gun deaths per capita have declined in recent years, gun suicides remain on the rise. The U.S. continues to have one of the highest gun death rates in the developed world, even as the country wrestles with debates over gun control and policy reforms.

Understanding the data is crucial for informed discussions on how best to tackle gun violence. By examining the numbers closely, we can identify trends, disparities, and potential solutions to this ongoing issue.

RELATED: Should U.S. Gun Laws Be Changed?

Key Takeaways:

• 46,728 gun-related deaths in 2023
• 58% of these deaths were suicides
• The gun death rate per capita has been decreasing, but remains high compared to global standards
• Handguns are the most common weapon used in gun murders
• The U.S. gun death rate is far higher than most developed nations but lower than several Latin American countries