Gun ownership among Republican women has seen a significant rise over the past decade, according to a new Gallup poll.
Between 2019 and 2024, 33% of Republican women reported owning firearms, marking a 14-point increase from 2013 to 2018. This sharp rise has propelled Republican women ahead of Democratic men, of whom only 29% reported gun ownership in the same period.
The data also highlights broader trends in firearm ownership by political affiliation, gender, and geography. Republican men continue to lead firearm ownership rates at 60%, followed by independent men at 39%. While the gender gap persists—43% of men versus 20% of women overall—the divide has narrowed from 30 percentage points in 2007-2012 to 23 points in 2019-2024.
Partisan Divides Widen
Political differences in firearm ownership have become more pronounced. From 2007 to 2012, Republicans were 16 points more likely than Democrats to own guns. By 2019-2024, the gap had grown to 28 points, with 47% of Republicans versus 19% of Democrats reporting ownership. Among rural Americans, 51% own firearms, compared to just 20% of urban residents, further underscoring regional divides.
Why Are More Americans Owning Guns?
Personal protection remains the primary reason Americans choose to own guns. According to 2023 Pew Research, 81% of gun owners say owning a firearm makes them feel safer. This sentiment has likely contributed to a decline in support for handgun bans, even among Democrats, who traditionally favor stricter gun control.
A 2021 Georgetown University study found that defensive handgun use occurs in an estimated 1.67 million incidents annually, reinforcing the perceived need for personal safety.
Gun Policy in Focus
Gun policy continues to be a pivotal issue in American politics. During the 2024 election, 53% of Trump supporters and 59% of Harris supporters cited gun control as a “very important” factor in their voting decisions, per Pew Research. However, many Democrats remain opposed to gun ownership, with 60% of those without guns stating they could never see themselves owning one.
Regional and Demographic Trends
Geography and demographics play a significant role in gun ownership. Southern residents are twice as likely to own guns (40%) compared to Eastern residents (19%). Rural Americans also report much higher ownership rates than their suburban and urban counterparts.
The Gallup survey, conducted over six years with 6,425 participants, offers a detailed snapshot of evolving attitudes and behaviors regarding firearm ownership across the U.S.