Mississippi's Alarming Gun Death Rate: A Deep Dive Into The Statistics

Mississippi has the highest rate of gun deaths of any U.S. state, according to a new report. With a gun death rate per capita at 18.23 deaths per 100,000 people, Mississippi leads the nation in firearm-related fatalities relative to its population. Following Mississippi are Louisiana, Alabama, New Mexico, and Missouri, making it clear that gun violence is a pressing issue in these regions. This report, authored by personal injury lawyers Scott Vicknair, is based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and emphasizes the alarming rates of gun deaths—not including suicides—across the United States.

In 2022, Mississippi recorded 536 gun deaths with a population of approximately 2.9 million. Louisiana, which ranks second, reported 759 deaths among its 4.6 million residents, resulting in a gun death rate of 16.54 per 100,000 people. This data paints a troubling picture of gun violence in the South, where several states are grappling with high rates of firearm-related deaths.

The findings highlight a critical need for awareness and action as the CDC data reveals the distribution of gun death rates across states. A map accompanying the report illustrates the stark contrast in gun death rates, with Mississippi standing out as a significant concern. Gun deaths have far-reaching impacts on communities, families, and individuals, urging a collective examination of policies and preventive measures to tackle this urgent issue.