Generally, states with a higher rate of gun-ownership see a higher rate of firearm deaths. But Idaho is an outlier.
According to data compiled by CBS, the top five states with the highest rates of gun ownership are:
When compared to data on firearm deaths from the CDC, there is some correlation with gun ownership. Alaska’s firearm death rate in 2017 was 24.3 deaths per 100,000 people, the highest of any state.
But something that sticks out like a sore thumb in the data is Idaho. While Idaho is third in the country for the most gun ownership, it is 16 on the list for firearm-related deaths, according to data from the CDC.
The difference wouldn’t be so glaring if the other states with high gun-ownership weren’t also states with the highest firearm-related deaths. For example, Alaska has both the highest gun-ownership rate and the highest rate of firearm-related deaths.
Idaho is mostly farmlands and rural communities, some native reservations, a few resort cities like Couer d’Alene, colleges towns, and heavily religious cities like Rexburg. The only populations dense enough to have crime areas are the capital Boise, and a few cities with meth problems from Montana and California such as Twin Falls or Idaho Falls. Really its a population of people that are peaceful and love the outdoors. Most gun owners are hobbyists or hunters.
David Wilson
It is a % figure. I think it is because of the conservative nature of Idahoans as a whole. There is not a big drug problem in Idaho either. Like some of the other states.
Landon Wright
remember, alchol addiction is huge problem in native Alaskan people
Joshua Mitchell
That is with all Native American populations. The reason is they are not genetically compatible with alcohol. That is a good thing by the way. It is good to be an Indian. You don't need to shave, and drinking makes you sick.
