#10 Washington
Washington enforces strict gun laws, including universal background checks, a 10-day waiting period for semiautomatic rifles, and extreme risk protection orders, which allow temporary firearm removal from individuals deemed a risk. Safety training is also required for certain firearm purchases.
These regulations contribute to Washington’s relatively low gun death rates. Risk protection orders, in particular, are seen as effective in preventing potential violence, reducing gun-related suicides, and keeping firearms away from dangerous individuals, thus enhancing public safety.
#9 Rhode Island
Rhode Island comes in at #9 on our list. The state requires mandatory background checks, a seven-day waiting period for firearm purchases, and a ban on high-capacity magazines. It also requires gun buyers to complete safety training courses
While Rhode Island’s gun violence rates are among the lowest in the U.S., the effectiveness of these laws is still debated. Supporters credit them with reducing accidental shootings and limiting gun access to high-risk individuals, helping keep the public safe.
#8 Illinois
Illinois gun laws include mandatory background checks for all gun purchases, a 72-hour waiting period, and firearm owner identification (FOID) cards. The state also bans high-capacity magazines and restricts certain assault weapons, aiming to control access and enhance public safety.
Results have been mixed, with some studies indicating reduced gun-related homicides in areas outside Chicago, where enforcement is strongest. The FOID card system has proven effective in screening applicants, contributing to lower gun ownership rates compared to less-regulated states.
#7 Maryland
Maryland requires background checks for all handgun sales, a permit to purchase handguns, and fingerprinting for handgun license applicants. The state also restricts assault weapons and bans high-capacity magazines holding over 10 rounds.
These laws have positively impacted public safety, as Maryland’s gun-related death rate is approximately 11 per 100,000 people, slightly lower than the national average of 13. Research suggests Maryland’s policies contribute to reduced gun violence, particularly in urban areas.
#6 Massachusetts
In addition to the usual mandatory background checks, license requirements, and ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, Massachusetts also has mandated safe storage for firearms, which reduces accidental injuries.
Citizens have to go through their local police department to get a permit to purchase a firearm, and that process can take weeks with the police chief still being able to deny the license. With these strict laws comes the lowest gun death rate at 3.4 per 100,000 people.
#5 Hawaii
Hawaii has the usual mandatory background checks, firearm registration, and a permit for each gun purchase. The state also has a 14-day waiting period and bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
These laws have proven highly effective, with Hawaii consistently reporting one of the lowest gun-related death rates in the country, approximately 4.8 per 100,000 people. Studies show Hawaii’s comprehensive policies help maintain low levels of gun violence and contribute significantly to public safety.
#4 New York
New York requires background checks for all gun purchases, a permit for handgun ownership, and registration of all handguns. The state also bans high-capacity magazines and assault weapons to limit access to dangerous firearms.
These strict measures have contributed to New York's relatively low gun-related death rate, with around 5 deaths per 100,000 people. However, that doesn’t stop individuals from safely owning weapons because the state’s gun ownership rate is 19.9%.
#3 Connecticut
Connecticut has some of the nation’s toughest gun laws, requiring background checks for all gun sales, permits for handgun purchases, and a 14-day waiting period. The state also bans assault weapons and high-capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds.
These laws have been effective in reducing gun-related deaths, with Connecticut reporting a rate of around 6 deaths per 100,000 people. Studies indicate that Connecticut’s strict regulations contribute to fewer gun-related suicides and homicides, making the state safer overall.
#2 New Jersey
New Jersey enforces mandatory background checks for all gun sales, a permit requirement for handgun purchases, and a ban on high-capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds. The state also requires firearms owners to complete a gun safety course.
These laws have proven effective, as New Jersey consistently reports one of the lowest gun death rates in the U.S., with around 5 deaths per 100,000 people. It also has the lowest gun ownership rate—tied with Massachusetts—at 14.7%.
#1 California
California is #1 in the nation for strict gun laws, including universal background checks for all gun purchases, a 10-day waiting period, and a ban on high-capacity magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. The state also banned assault weapons and requires gun owners to register their firearms.
These laws have proven effect. California has the seventh-lowest rate of deaths by gun violence, with 9 deaths per 100,000 people. The state’s gun laws provide funding for community programs that have successfully reduced gun-related violence.