New Jersey recorded the third-lowest firearm mortality rate in the United States in 2024, according to newly released CDC mortality data.
The CDC’s “Firearm Mortality by State” report shows New Jersey had an age-adjusted firearm death rate of 4.0 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2024, trailing only Hawaii and Massachusetts among all states reporting data.
According to the CDC figures:
- Hawaii recorded the nation’s lowest firearm mortality rate at 3.7 deaths per 100,000 residents.
- Massachusetts ranked second at 3.8.
- New Jersey ranked third at 4.0.
- New York followed at 4.4.
- Rhode Island rounded out the five lowest at 4.6.
The CDC reported 393 firearm-related deaths in New Jersey during 2024.
The rankings are based on age-adjusted mortality rates compiled through the CDC WONDER database and National Vital Statistics System. The agency notes that age-adjusted rates are designed to account for differences in population size and age distribution between states.
Here’s a look at the five states with the highest firearm death rates in America — and the five with the lowest.
5. Wyoming — 23.4 Firearm Deaths Per 100,000
Wyoming ranked as the fifth most dangerous state for firearm mortality in 2024, recording a death rate of 23.4 per 100,000 residents.
The state reported 143 firearm-related deaths despite its relatively small population. Wyoming has consistently ranked among the nation’s highest states for firearm suicides.
4. Alabama — 23.7 Firearm Deaths Per 100,000
Alabama narrowly edged Wyoming with a firearm death rate of 23.7.
The state recorded 1,212 firearm deaths in 2024, one of the highest raw totals among the states on the list.
3. Alaska — 24.4 Firearm Deaths Per 100,000
Alaska posted a firearm mortality rate of 24.4 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Although the state recorded only 182 firearm deaths, Alaska’s smaller population pushed its per-capita rate among the nation’s worst.
2. New Mexico — 26.6 Firearm Deaths Per 100,000
New Mexico continued its troubling trend of high firearm mortality, recording a rate of 26.6 deaths per 100,000 residents.
The state saw 563 firearm-related deaths during 2024.
1. Mississippi — 28.0 Firearm Deaths Per 100,000
Mississippi ranked as America’s most dangerous state for gun violence according to the CDC’s 2024 mortality data.
The CDC cautioned that rankings do not account for broader demographic or socioeconomic differences between states that may influence firearm death rates.
States in the South and Mountain West generally recorded the nation’s highest firearm mortality rates, with several states exceeding 20 deaths per 100,000 residents.
America’s 5 Safest States for Gun Violence
While Southern states dominated the highest mortality rankings, Northeastern states and Hawaii posted the nation’s lowest firearm death rates.
5. New York — 4.4 Firearm Deaths Per 100,000
New York recorded a firearm mortality rate of 4.4 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2024.
The state reported 896 firearm deaths overall.
4. New Jersey — 4.0 Firearm Deaths Per 100,000
New Jersey ranked as the fourth safest state in America for firearm mortality.
The Garden State recorded 393 firearm-related deaths in 2024 and maintained one of the nation’s lowest per-capita firearm death rates.
3. Massachusetts — 3.8 Firearm Deaths Per 100,000
Massachusetts posted a firearm mortality rate of just 3.8 per 100,000 residents.
The state reported 287 firearm deaths during the year.
2. Hawaii — 3.7 Firearm Deaths Per 100,000
Hawaii recorded the nation’s lowest firearm mortality rate at 3.7 deaths per 100,000 residents.
Only 56 firearm-related deaths were reported statewide in 2024.
The CDC defines firearm mortality as all deaths involving firearms, including homicides, suicides, accidental shootings, and law enforcement-related incidents.
The federal agency also noted that states with smaller populations and lower total death counts may experience more statistical volatility in yearly rankings.
Locally, those statistics are backed by some of the toughest gun laws in America. Others cite New Jersey’s overall economic health, education levels, and wealth levels as contributing factors.
