More Than 8% of Americans Now Hold Concealed Carry Permits, Report Finds
The latest report from the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) reveals that more than 8% of Americans now hold permits to carry concealed firearms, a significant increase over the past decade. The report, authored by CPRC President John Lott, Professor Carlisle Moody, and Rujun Wang, also highlights trends in permit holders by race, gender, and state.
In 2024, there were 21.5 million permit holders, accounting for 8.2% of America's adult population. This marks the 11th consecutive year of growth, with women making up 29.1% of permit holders in some states and experiencing a 111.9% faster increase in permits than men from 2012 to 2023/2024. Asian people also saw a rapid increase, with a 219.2% faster growth in permits compared to whites from 2015 to 2021/2024, while blacks had a 283.9% faster increase.
Five states have over one million carry-permit holders, and more than 10% of adults in 16 states have permits, with Indiana leading at 23.1%. Meanwhile, 29 states have adopted Constitutional Carry laws, covering 46.8% of the American population. Notably, the number of permit holders fell in the four constitutional carry states, suggesting more people are likely carrying without permits in those states.
The CPRC report underscores the growing prevalence of concealed carry permits among Americans, with notable increases among women and minorities. As constitutional carry states expand, the trend in permit numbers may shift, but the overall rise in gun ownership and carrying continues. Coincidentally, violent crime rates have decreased by 24% since 2007, as carry permit numbers have risen, although the report does not establish a causal link.
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