The effect of gun ownership rates on homicide rates: a state-level analysis

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to examine the link between gun ownership rates and homicide rates. Using a very large cross-sectional survey dataset in order to obtain estimates for household-level gun ownership rates, and state-level data on homicides, the results indicate that gun ownership rates have a statistically significant and positive effect on the homicide rates at the 10% significance level. This result suggests that efforts to restrict access to firearms may reduce murders.