Despite the news reports on gun related violence, will you really see guns in the USA? What's the risk of being a victim? We take a look at the situation.
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Some people assume everyone walks around with guns in America. Not true. Nor are there gang shootouts on every street corner contrary to what tv shows like to portray.
For the most part, the people who own or carry guns legally aren't the problem. It's the criminals with illegal weapons that pose the most threat, and that's only a concern to travelers because there are so many illegal guns out there.
Gun Statistics
- The U.S. Firearms Industry Today Report showed that U.S. gun manufacturers cranked out 4 million guns in 2023. That’s less than the three years prior to that.
- As of 2026, it’s estimated that Americans own about 400-500 million firearms, with about 55-60% of those being handguns.
- Recent data shows that about 43% of men, and 25% of women in the United States own at least one gun.
- Nearly 1 million firearms were reported stolen between 2019 and 2023.
- On average, more than 46,000 people die from gun violence in the United States every year.
- Suicides account for almost 6 out of every 10 gun deaths in the United States.
- There was a 19% decrease in homicides in the United States in 2025.
Mass shootings
Should travelers be scared of a mass shooting while in the US? In short, no. Statistically, the likelihood of you being killed in a mass shooting is very small.
The US Department of Homeland Security has published some advice on how to prepare for an active-shooter emergency but no matter where you are
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Take note of the two nearest exits in any place you visit.
10 most dangerous U.S cities
Based on reports from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the 10 most dangerous cities in the United States in 2025-2026, as reported by U.S. News and World Report, were:
- Memphis, TN
- Oakland, CA
- St. Louis, MO
- Baltimore, MD
- Detroit, MI
- Alexandria, LA
- Cleveland, OH
- New Orleans, LA
- Monroe, LA
- Pueblo, CO
Of course this list should be viewed with a grain of salt. The chances of being randomly targeted remain slim, but if you stroll into the wrong neighborhood or walk on the wrong block, your risk of getting caught in the crossfire of drug and poverty-fueled violence may rise. Always ask locals which areas you should avoid. Some places are ok during the day and not at night, others can be a total no-go regardless of the time of day. Every place has its good and bad areas.
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