The gun industry has a significant economic footprint across the United States, but its influence varies widely from state to state. Some states rely heavily on firearm manufacturing, sales, and related activities, shaping their economies and job markets. To pinpoint which states are most dependent on the gun industry, we have ranked them based on a comprehensive survey conducted by WalletHub.
Idaho
Idaho tops the list with a score of 85.11. Ranked first for its firearms industry presence, Idaho boasts a robust network of gun manufacturers like Primary Weapons Systems, Inc (PWS) and Adaptive Tactical, LLC, and accessory businesses. It ties first in gun industry jobs per capita and total firearms industry output per capita. Additionally, it ranks fourth for the highest total taxes paid by the firearms industry per capita and third in the nation for gun ownership rate.
Wyoming
Wyoming ranks second, scoring 81.09, reflecting its deep ties to the gun industry. The state leads in political contributions from gun-related entities, highlighting the industry’s sway over state policy. Wyoming’s vast open spaces and prevalent hunting culture contribute to having the most guns per capita in the U.S., with 245.8 guns per 1,000 residents. Furthermore, Wyoming pays the highest total taxes of any state from the gun industry, supporting local communities and providing numerous jobs.
Kentucky
Kentucky ranks third with a score of 75.67, primarily due to its 14th place in gun ownership nationally. The state’s vibrant hunting culture and strong affinity for firearms bolster these high ownership rates. Its firearms industry is notable, ranked 20th in metrics like jobs, wages, dealers, and manufacturers, alongside gun law strictness. Kentucky also places sixth in gun politics, with significant contributions from gun-related organizations influencing state policies.
South Dakota
South Dakota ranks fourth with a score of 75.19, distinguished by its leading position in gun politics—it ranks first in the nation for gun rights contributions to members of Congress. The state’s rural character and hunting traditions contribute to widespread firearms ownership. Its economy benefits from a notable firearms industry, with gun manufacturing and sales supporting local jobs and businesses.
Montana
Montana holds the fifth spot with 74.27, with a high prevalence of firearms among its residents. Montana, which has approximately 65% of households that own a firearm—relies heavily on the firearms sector for economic stability. It boasts 30.23 firearms industry jobs per 10,000 residents, 7.43 firearms and ammunition dealers per 100,000 residents, and 4.20 firearms and ammunition manufacturers per 100,000 residents.
Arkansas
Arkansas is sixth, scoring 72.61. Arkansas is prominent in the firearms industry, ranking fifth for gun-related jobs with 17.7 per 10,000 residents and offering the 14th highest industry wages at $51,217. Over 2,600 people were employed in this sector in 2014. The state has the second-highest adult gun ownership rate at 58% and ranks 19th in political contributions from gun rights and control groups, contributing $4,284 per 100,000 people in gun rights contributions.
Alaska
Alaska ranks seventh with a score of 65.62, reflecting its high rate of gun ownership at 61.7 percent, the highest in the United States. The state sees nearly 110 gun sales per 1,000 residents and leads the nation in private gun ads for buying and selling. Many Alaskans own firearms due to the state’s remote location and outdoor lifestyle, using them for hunting, protection, and sport.
North Dakota
North Dakota takes the eighth spot with 64.57 on the list, and the gun industry makes substantial political contributions. The state’s rural nature and hunting traditions contribute to a high prevalence of gun ownership. The presence of gun manufacturers and retailers benefits North Dakota economically. The gun industry’s political influence is significant, shaping state policies and regulations.
Missouri
Missouri is ninth, scoring 64.36, with a notable presence in the firearms industry and a high prevalence of gun ownership. The state has enacted various pro-gun laws, including permitless carry for residents and non-residents and legislation that prevents discrimination against firearm-related businesses. These laws not only encourage gun ownership but also support the economic activities related to the firearms industry, such as sales and manufacturing.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma rounds out the top ten with a score of 64.10. The state’s dependency on the firearms sector is reflected in its employment rates, tax revenues from the industry, and considerable political contributions from gun rights and gun control groups. Oklahoma’s strong cultural affinity for firearms and the significant economic benefits from the industry further cement its reliance on this sector.
Tennessee
Tennessee ranks eleventh, scoring 63.52, reflecting its high gun ownership, with 1,207 guns sold per 10,000 residents aged 21 and older, totaling 633,015. The state’s economy gains from numerous gun manufacturers and related businesses. Firearms are commonly owned for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense, which boosts demand and supports the local gun industry. Political contributions from the gun industry also shape state policies and legislation.
Alabama
Alabama ranks twelfth, scoring 62.40, with a strong firearms industry presence and high gun ownership. It ranks 8th in gun ownership, 3rd in NICS background checks per capita, and 1st in gun-control contributions to congressional members per capita. The state’s political contributions from the gun industry significantly influence local legislation. Alabama’s culture and economy are closely tied to firearms, with many residents owning guns for hunting and personal protection.
South Carolina
South Carolina comes in thirteenth with a score of 61.71, with a notable firearms industry presence and significant political contributions. The state’s residents have a high prevalence of gun ownership, often for hunting and self-defense. The gun industry supports local economies and has a substantial influence on state politics. South Carolina benefits economically from gun manufacturing and retail, which provide jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Utah
Utah ranks fourteenth with 60.47, with a strong firearms industry presence and significant political contributions. While the prevalence of guns is not as high as in some other states, the gun industry still plays an essential role in the state’s economy. Utah’s political landscape is influenced by contributions from gun-related organizations, reflecting the industry’s impact on legislation. The state’s supportive regulatory environment also attracts firearms manufacturers and related businesses.
Nebraska
Nebraska completes the list in fifteenth place with a score of 59.53, has a substantial firearms industry presence, and has significant political contributions from the gun industry. The state’s prevalence of gun ownership is lower than in some other states, but the gun industry still supports local economies and influences state politics. Nebraska benefits from the presence of gun manufacturers and retailers, which provide jobs and support local businesses. The political influence of the gun industry is also evident in the state’s legislative priorities.
