A new report issued by the Crime Prevention Research Center tells us that concealed carry is a hot topic, and that people are actively getting their permits in huge numbers across America.
Despite the expectations of many after the 2016 elections, the number of concealed handgun permits has again increased. In 2018, the number of concealed handgun permits soared to over 17.25 million – a 273% increase since 2007. 7.14% of American adults have permits. Unlike surveys that may be affected by people’s unwillingness to answer some personal questions, concealed handgun permit data is the only really “hard data” that we have on gun ownership across the United States. Still, an even larger number of people carry because in 14 states people don’t need a permit to carry in all or virtually all those states.
Women and minorities hold the lead with new permits obtained, according to the report.
The full report can be viewed here.
Alabama leads all states with the highest percentage of adults with concealed carry permits at 22.00%, with Indiana and South Dakota in close 2nd and 3rd place with just over 17% each.
While 7% may not seem like a large number at first glance, realizing that this number represents 17.25 million people should change that thought. Just last year, according to the report, the number of concealed carry permits in the Country rose by 890,000.
In 2019, we can likely expect the number of permits to continue it’s upward trend, as more and more people are realizing the importance of their personal safety. Carrying a firearm is no longer as scary a thing as it was to many in years past, and is becoming more commonplace with each passing day.
