Gun ownership trends among Americans have taken some surprising turns lately, especially when viewed through the lens of political affiliation. New data reveals not just who owns guns, but how these demographics have shifted across party lines.
A recent Gallup poll indicates significant changes over the years, particularly highlighting the growing trend of gun ownership among Republican women. Between 2019 and 2024, the percentage of Republican women who reported owning guns skyrocketed to 33%, up from only 22% between 2013 and 2018, and 19% from 2007 to 2012. This marks a notable 50% increase since the last measurement period. Dana Loesch, former spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association, commented on this surge, stating, "I think it’s phenomenal and speaks to the confidence and courage of women who are moved to protect themselves and their families amid rising lawlessness and disorder."
On the other side of the aisle, Democratic men, who once had gun ownership rates mirrors closer to their Republican counterparts, are experiencing declining numbers. From 2007-2012, 36% of Democratic men claimed to own firearms, but recent figures show only 29% reporting the same. Independent men aren’t too far behind, with ownership dropping from 43% to 39% during the same period. Conversely, only 12% of Democratic women reported owning guns recently, which may come as a shock to some, particularly since women like Vice President Kamala Harris have acknowledged their own gun ownership.
When it boils down to overall statistics, it seems gun ownership among men remains significantly higher than for women. Currently, 43% of men within political parties own firearms, compared to just 20% of women. The average rate of gun ownership across the United States currently sits at around 31%, which is slightly higher than the last few years, indicating more individuals are turning to firearms.
The partisan divide surrounding gun ownership has deepened surprisingly too. Back between 2007 and 2012, the difference between Republican and Democratic gun ownership was about 16 percentage points. That gap has now widened to 28 points. This growing dissimilarity suggests not just changing personal values about gun ownership but perhaps also shifts influenced by political discourse. Likewise, the gun issue has surged as not just personal choice, but rather as part of the political conversation, strongly aligning with party values.
Another element of the survey highlighted ownership rates based on urban versus rural living. It revealed about 50% of respondents living in rural areas reported owning at least one gun, contrasting sharply with just 20% of urban dwellers who did the same. These statistics underline how geography can also play a pivotal role in gun ownership sentiments.
Factors influencing the rise of gun ownership among Republican women, compared to the decrease among Democratic men, might also relate to broader cultural perceptions. Women are increasingly perceiving firearms as tools for self-defense rather than as mere recreational items. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has maintained more stringent stances on gun control, potentially alienation gun owners within their ranks.
Gallup notes these findings derive from data collected over the years, combining samples of around 1,000 adults. For the latest survey combining figures from 2019 to 2024, the margin of error stands at just 1 percentage point, which should allow for considerable confidence in the results.
Overall, the changing dynamics of gun ownership reveal more than mere statistics on who owns what. It reflects shifting political ideologies, cultural attitudes, and perhaps even the social fabric of America itself. With political issues becoming increasingly polarized, the reality of gun ownership—once thought of as straightforward—is taking on more dimensions, painting a picture of distinguished values and attitudes defined much more intricately and politically.
This growing trend suggests women, particularly those aligned with the Republican party, feel empowered and motivated to take up firearms—as personal protection becomes increasingly prioritized. These shifts indicate not only personal choices surrounding firearms but also how societal perceptions impact those choices.
