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South Carolina — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

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Civilian Guns

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Proportion of Adults Living in a Home With a Gun

ChartIn South Carolina, the percentage of adults living in a household with a firearm is reported to be

2004: 43.0%1
2002: 45.0%2
2001: 42.3%3

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Proportion of Households with Firearms

In South Carolina, the percentage of households with one or more guns is reported to be

2004: 51.00%4

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Proportion of Households with Firearms by Decade

ChartIn South Carolina, the percentage of households with one or more guns is estimated to be

2001/2010: 63.6%5 6
1991/2000: 70.4%
1981/1990: 73.8%

ImpactsDeath and Injury

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Total Number of Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual deaths resulting from firearms total

2017: 8937
2016: 8917
2015: 850
2014: 7678
2013: 745
2012: 743
2011: 705
2010: 648
2009: 634
2008: 615
2007: 592
2006: 616
2005: 589
2004: 574
2003: 593
2002: 566
2001: 564
2000: 499
1999: 552

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Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 17.777
2016: 17.96
2015: 17.36
2014: 15.87
2013: 15.61
2012: 15.73
2011: 15.07
2010: 14.01
2009: 13.81
2008: 13.58
2007: 13.32
2006: 14.14
2005: 13.79
2004: 13.63
2003: 14.29
2002: 13.78
2001: 13.87
2000: 12.44
1999: 13.89

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Total Number of Male Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male deaths resulting from firearms total

2017: 7437
2016: 7407
2015: 696
2014: 626
2013: 606
2012: 612
2011: 577
2010: 546
2009: 527
2008: 537

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Rate of Male Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of male gun death per 100,000 population is

2017: 30.487
2016: 30.73
2015: 29.26
2014: 26.65
2013: 26.09
2012: 26.64
2011: 25.34
2010: 24.27
2009: 23.60
2008: 24.37

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Total Number of Female Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female deaths resulting from firearms total

2017: 1507
2016: 1517
2015: 154
2014: 141
2013: 139
2012: 131
2011: 128
2010: 102
2009: 107
2008: 78

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Rate of Female Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of female gun death per 100,000 population is

2017: 5.807
2016: 5.91
2015: 6.12
2014: 5.68
2013: 5.67
2012: 5.40
2011: 5.33
2010: 4.29
2009: 4.54
2008: 3.35

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Homicides (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual homicides by any means total

2017: 4437
2016: 4227
2015: 444
2014: 359
2013: 315
2012: 369
2011: 352
2010: 320
2009: 345
2008: 354
2007: 382
2006: 391
2005: 337
2004: 323
2003: 325
2002: 326
2001: 350
2000: 326
1999: 313

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Rate of Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2017: 8.827
2016: 8.51
2015: 9.07
2014: 7.43
2013: 6.60
2012: 7.81
2011: 7.52
2010: 6.92
2009: 7.52
2008: 7.82
2007: 8.60
2006: 8.97
2005: 7.89
2004: 7.67
2003: 7.83
2002: 7.94
2001: 8.61
2000: 8.13
1999: 7.87

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Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male homicides by any means total

2017: 3637
2016: 3357
2015: 352
2014: 282
2013: 228
2012: 283
2011: 256
2010: 251
2009: 261
2008: 284

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Rate of Male Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of male homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2017: 14.897
2016: 13.91
2015: 14.80
2014: 12
2013: 9.81
2012: 12.32
2011: 11.24
2010: 11.16
2009: 11.69
2008: 12.89

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Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female homicides by any means total

2017: 807
2016: 877
2015: 92
2014: 77
2013: 87
2012: 86
2011: 96
2010: 69
2009: 84
2008: 70

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Rate of Female Homicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of female homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2017: 3.097
2016: 3.41
2015: 3.65
2014: 3.10
2013: 3.55
2012: 3.54
2011: 4
2010: 2.90
2009: 3.56
2008: 3.01

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Gun Homicides

ChartIn South Carolina, annual firearm homicides total

2017: 3387
2016: 3357
2015: 360
2014: 266
2013: 2448
2012: 273
2011: 253
2010: 229
2009: 235
2008: 249
2007: 255
2006: 274
2005: 235
2004: 220
2003: 236
2002: 227
2001: 228
2000: 169
1999: 223

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Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 6.737
2016: 6.75
2015: 7.35
2014: 5.50
2013: 5.11
2012: 5.78
2011: 5.41
2010: 4.95
2009: 5.12
2008: 5.50
2007: 5.74
2006: 6.29
2005: 5.50
2004: 5.22
2003: 5.69
2002: 5.53
2001: 5.61
2000: 4.21
1999: 5.61

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Male Gun Homicide Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male firearm homicides total

2017: 2847
2016: 2867
2015: 300
2014: 215
2013: 180
2012: 220
2011: 201
2010: 190
2009: 192
2008: 215

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Rate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of male firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 11.657
2016: 11.88
2015: 12.61
2014: 9.15
2013: 7.75
2012: 9.58
2011: 8.83
2010: 8.44
2009: 8.60
2008: 9.76

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Female Gun Homicide Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female firearm homicides total

2017: 547
2016: 497
2015: 60
2014: 51
2013: 64
2012: 53
2011: 52
2010: 39
2009: 43
2008: 34

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Rate of Female Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of female firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 2.097
2016: 1.92
2015: 2.38
2014: 2.05
2013: 2.61
2012: 2.18
2011: 2.16
2010: 1.64
2009: 1.82
2008: 1.46

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Handgun Homicides

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures9 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), annual handgun homicides total

2017: 18310 11
2016: 172
2015: 201
2014: 138
2013: 126
2012: 134
2011: 126
2010: 136
2009: 115
2008: 125
2007: 144
2006: 163
2005: 168
2004: 151
2003: 142
2002: 125
2001: 86
2000: 96
1999: 110
1998: 161
1997: 163
1996: 160
1995: 135

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Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures12 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the annual rate of handgun homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 3.6413
2016: 3.47
2015: 4.11
2014: 2.86
2013: 2.64
2012: 2.84
2011: 2.70
2010: 2.93
2009: 2.51
2008: 2.76
2007: 3.24
2006: 3.74
2005: 3.93
2004: 3.59
2003: 3.42
2002: 3.04
2001: 2.12
2000: 2.39
1999: 2.77
1998: 4.11
1997: 4.22
1996: 4.21
1995: 3.60

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Handgun Homicides (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual handgun homicides total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)7 11
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 15

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Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of handgun homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 0
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

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Male Handgun Homicide Victims (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual male handgun homicides total

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Male Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of male handgun homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Female Handgun Homicide Victims (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual female handgun homicides total

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Female Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of female handgun homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Long Gun Homicides

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures14 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), annual long gun homicides total

2017: 1910 11
2016: 16
2015: 17
2014: 19
2013: 22
2012: 22
2011: 22
2010: 15
2009: 16
2008: 27
2007: 24
2006: 24
2005: 22
2004: 28
2003: 17
2002: 31
2001: 15
2000: 18
1999: 28
1998: 32
1997: 33
1996: 33
1995: 29

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Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures15 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the annual rate of long gun homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.3813
2016: 0.32
2015: 0.35
2014: 0.39
2013: 0.46
2012: 0.47
2011: 0.47
2010: 0.32
2009: 0.35
2008: 0.60
2007: 0.54
2006: 0.55
2005: 0.52
2004: 0.66
2003: 0.41
2002: 0.75
2001: 0.37
2000: 0.45
1999: 0.70
1998: 0.82
1997: 0.85
1996: 0.87
1995: 0.77

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Long Gun Homicides (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual long gun homicides total

2017: 107
2016: 15
2015: 11
2014: 11
2013: 11
2012: 16
2011: 14
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 13
2008: 19
2007: 19
2006: 23
2005: 13
2004: 15
2003: 18
2002: 23
2001: 24
2000: 18
1999: 27

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Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of long gun homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.207
2016: 0.30
2015: 0.22
2014: 0.23
2013: 0.23
2012: 0.34
2011: 0.30
2010: 0
2009: 0.28
2008: 0.42
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.53
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.56
2001: 0.59
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.68

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Male Long Gun Homicide Victims (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual male long gun homicides total

2017: 107
2016: 127
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 12
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 10
2008: 17

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Rate of Male Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of male long gun homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.417
2016: 0.50
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0.52
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0.45
2008: 0.77

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Female Long Gun Homicide Victims (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual female long gun homicides total

2017: 07
2016: 3
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 4
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 3
2008: 2

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Rate of Female Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of female long gun homicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 0.12
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0.16
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0.13
2008: 0.09

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Gun Homicides (Other)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures16 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), annual firearm homicides (other) total

2017: 11010 17
2016: 93
2015: 94
2014: 62
2013: 76
2012: 81
2011: 75
2010: 56
2009: 66
2008: 54
2007: 67
2006: 66
2005: 27
2004: 15
2003: 40
2002: 44
2001: 23
2000: 16
1999: 8
1998: 6
1997: 13
1996: 31
1995: 11

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Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, according to figures18 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the annual rate of firearm homicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 2.1913
2016: 1.88
2015: 1.92
2014: 1.29
2013: 1.59
2012: 5.42
2011: 5.04
2010: 4.71
2009: 4.79
2008: 4.95
2007: 1.51
2006: 1.51
2005: 0.63
2004: 0.36
2003: 0.96
2002: 1.07
2001: 0.57
2000: 0.40
1999: 0.20
1998: 0.15
1997: 0.34
1996: 0.82
1995: 0.29

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Gun Homicides (Other) (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual firearm homicides (other) total

2017: 3247
2016: 3187
2015: 347
2014: 254
2013: 2317 11
2012: 256
2011: 236
2010: 218
2009: 220
2008: 224
2007: 230
2006: 246
2005: 213
2004: 201
2003: 212
2002: 195
2001: 195
2000: 146
1999: 181

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Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of firearm homicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 6.457
2016: 6.41
2015: 7.09
2014: 5.26
2013: 4.84
2012: 5.42
2011: 5.04
2010: 4.71
2009: 4.79
2008: 4.95
2007: 5.18
2006: 5.64
2005: 4.99
2004: 4.77
2003: 5.11
2002: 4.75
2001: 4.80
2000: 3.64
1999: 4.55

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Male Gun Homicide Victims (Other) (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual male firearm homicides (other) total

2017: 2707
2016: 2727
2015: 290
2014: 206
2013: 170
2012: 207
2011: 194
2010: 182
2009: 180
2008: 193

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Rate of Male Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of male firearm homicides (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 11.087
2016: 11.30
2015: 12.19
2014: 8.77
2013: 7.32
2012: 9.01
2011: 8.52
2010: 8.09
2009: 8.06
2008: 8.76

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Female Gun Homicide Victims (Other) (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, annual female firearm homicides (other) total

2017: 547
2016: 467
2015: 57
2014: 48
2013: 61
2012: 49
2011: 42
2010: 36
2009: 40
2008: 31

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Rate of Female Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People (CDC)

ChartIn South Carolina, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) figures, the annual rate of female firearm homicides (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 2.097
2016: 1.80
2015: 2.26
2014: 1.93
2013: 2.49
2012: 2.02
2011: 1.75
2010: 1.52
2009: 1.70
2008: 1.33

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Suicides (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual suicides by any means total

2017: 8387
2016: 8157
2015: 739
2014: 753
2013: 695
2012: 673
2011: 658
2010: 637
2009: 616
2008: 565
2007: 530
2006: 524
2005: 510
2004: 482
2003: 476
2002: 440
2001: 467
2000: 443
1999: 418

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Rate of Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2017: 16.687
2016: 16.43
2015: 15.09
2014: 15.58
2013: 14.56
2012: 14.25
2011: 14.06
2010: 13.77
2009: 13.42
2008: 12.48
2007: 11.93
2006: 12.02
2005: 11.94
2004: 11.45
2003: 11.47
2002: 10.71
2001: 11.49
2000: 11.04
1999: 10.52

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Male Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male suicides by any means total

2017: 6477
2016: 6117
2015: 556
2014: 579
2013: 550
2012: 510
2011: 509
2010: 486
2009: 485
2008: 454

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Rate of Male Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of male suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2017: 26.547
2016: 25.37
2015: 23.37
2014: 24.64
2013: 23.68
2012: 22.20
2011: 22.36
2010: 21.60
2009: 21.72
2008: 20.60

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Female Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female suicides by any means total

2017: 1917
2016: 2047
2015: 183
2014: 174
2013: 145
2012: 163
2011: 149
2010: 151
2009: 131
2008: 111

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Rate of Female Suicide per 100,000 People (any method)

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of female suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2017: 7.387
2016: 7.99
2015: 7.27
2014: 7.01
2013: 5.91
2012: 6.72
2011: 6.20
2010: 6.36
2009: 5.56
2008: 4.77

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Gun Suicides

ChartIn South Carolina, annual firearm suicides total

2017: 5317
2016: 5257
2015: 469
2014: 479
2013: 4708
2012: 433
2011: 426
2010: 392
2009: 377
2008: 343
2007: 311
2006: 315
2005: 314
2004: 328
2003: 328
2002: 304
2001: 311
2000: 297
1999: 287

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Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 10.577
2016: 10.58
2015: 9.58
2014: 9.91
2013: 9.84
2012: 9.17
2011: 9.10
2010: 8.48
2009: 8.21
2008: 7.57
2007: 7.00
2006: 7.23
2005: 7.35
2004: 7.79
2003: 7.90
2002: 7.40
2001: 7.65
2000: 7.40
1999: 7.22

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Male Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male firearm suicides total

2017: 4367
2016: 4287
2015: 377
2014: 393
2013: 401
2012: 358
2011: 353
2010: 330
2009: 314
2008: 300

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Rate of Male Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of male firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 17.897
2016: 17.77
2015: 15.85
2014: 16.73
2013: 17.26
2012: 15.58
2011: 15.51
2010: 14.67
2009: 14.06
2008: 13.61

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Female Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female firearm suicides total

2017: 957
2016: 977
2015: 92
2014: 86
2013: 69
2012: 75
2011: 73
2010: 62
2009: 63
2008: 43

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Rate of Female Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of female firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 3.677
2016: 3.80
2015: 3.65
2014: 3.46
2013: 2.81
2012: 3.09
2011: 3.04
2010: 2.61
2009: 2.67
2008: 1.85

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Handgun Suicides

ChartIn South Carolina, annual handgun suicides total

2017: 217
2016: 12
2015: 13
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 14
2012: 23
2011: 21
2010: 29
2009: 22
2008: 28
2007: 29
2006: 26
2005: 38
2004: 25
2003: 36
2002: 30
2001: 40
2000: 25
1999: 25

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Rate of Handgun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of handgun suicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.427
2016: 0.24
2015: 0.27
2014: 0
2013: 0.29
2012: 0.49
2011: 0.45
2010: 0.63
2009: 0.48
2008: 0.62
2007: 0.65
2006: 0.60
2005: 0.89
2004: 0.59
2003: 0.87
2002: 0.73
2001: 0.98
2000: 0.62
1999: 0.63

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Male Handgun Suicide Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male handgun suicides total

2017: 167
2016: 117
2015: 13
2014: 0
2013: 10
2012: 20
2011: 17
2010: 25
2009: 17
2008: 24

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Rate of Male Handgun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of male handgun suicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.667
2016: 0.46
2015: 0.55
2014: 0
2013: 0.43
2012: 0.87
2011: 0.75
2010: 1.11
2009: 0.76
2008: 1.09

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Female Handgun Suicide Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female handgun suicides total

2017: 57
2016: 1
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 4
2012: 3
2011: 4
2010: 4
2009: 5
2008: 4

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Rate of Female Handgun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of female handgun suicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.197
2016: 0.04
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0.16
2012: 0.12
2011: 0.17
2010: 0.17
2009: 0.21
2008: 0.17

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Long Gun Suicides

ChartIn South Carolina, the number of long gun suicides is

2017: 347
2016: 31
2015: 32
2014: 34
2013: 33
2012: 36
2011: 36
2010: 42
2009: 35
2008: 31
2007: 34
2006: 33
2005: 31
2004: 37
2003: 32
2002: 42
2001: 43
2000: 42
1999: 27

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Rate of Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of long gun suicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.687
2016: 0.62
2015: 0.65
2014: 0.70
2013: 0.69
2012: 0.76
2011: 0.77
2010: 0.91
2009: 0.76
2008: 0.68
2007: 0.77
2006: 0.76
2005: 0.73
2004: 0.88
2003: 0.77
2002: 1.02
2001: 1.06
2000: 1.05
1999: 0.68

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Male Long Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male long gun suicides total

2017: 327
2016: 297
2015: 31
2014: 33
2013: 31
2012: 31
2011: 35
2010: 41
2009: 33
2008: 31

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Rate of Male Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of male long gun suicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 1.317
2016: 1.20
2015: 1.30
2014: 1.40
2013: 1.33
2012: 1.35
2011: 1.54
2010: 1.82
2009: 1.48
2008: 1.41

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Female Long Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female long gun suicides total

2017: 27
2016: 2
2015: 1
2014: 1
2013: 2
2012: 5
2011: 1
2010: 1
2009: 2
2008: 0

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Rate of Female Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of female long gun suicide per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.087
2016: 0.08
2015: 0.04
2014: 0.04
2013: 0.08
2012: 0.21
2011: 0.04
2010: 0.04
2009: 0.08
2008: 0

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Gun Suicides (Other)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual gun suicides (other) total

2017: 4767
2016: 4827
2015: 424
2014: 436
2013: 4237
2012: 374
2011: 369
2010: 321
2009: 320
2008: 284
2007: 248
2006: 256
2005: 245
2004: 266
2003: 260
2002: 232
2001: 228
2000: 230
1999: 235

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Rate of Gun Suicide (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of gun suicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 9.477
2016: 9.72
2015: 8.66
2014: 9.02
2013: 8.86
2012: 7.92
2011: 7.89
2010: 6.94
2009: 6.97
2008: 6.27
2007: 5.58
2006: 5.87
2005: 5.74
2004: 6.32
2003: 6.26
2002: 5.65
2001: 5.61
2000: 5.73
1999: 5.91

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Male Gun Suicide (Other) Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male gun suicides (other) total

2017: 3887
2016: 3887
2015: 333
2014: 353
2013: 360
2012: 307
2011: 301
2010: 264
2009: 264
2008: 245

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Rate of Male Gun Suicide (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of male gun suicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 15.927
2016: 16.11
2015: 14
2014: 15.03
2013: 15.50
2012: 13.36
2011: 13.22
2010: 11.73
2009: 11.82
2008: 11.12

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Female Gun Suicide (Other) Victims

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female gun suicides (other) total

2017: 887
2016: 947
2015: 91
2014: 83
2013: 63
2012: 67
2011: 68
2010: 57
2009: 56
2008: 39

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Rate of Female Gun Suicide (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of female gun suicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 3.407
2016: 3.68
2015: 3.62
2014: 3.34
2013: 2.57
2012: 2.76
2011: 2.83
2010: 2.40
2009: 2.38
2008: 1.68

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Unintentional Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2017: 157
2016: 22
2015: 12
2014: 13
2013: 15
2012: 26
2011: 17
2010: 20
2009: 17
2008: 14
2007: 14
2006: 17
2005: 34
2004: 17
2003: 24
2002: 31
2001: 17
2000: 18
1999: 30

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.307
2016: 0.44
2015: 0.25
2014: 0.27
2013: 0.31
2012: 0.55
2011: 0.36
2010: 0.43
2009: 0.37
2008: 0.31
2007: 0.32
2006: 0.39
2005: 0.80
2004: 0.40
2003: 0.58
2002: 0.75
2001: 0.42
2000: 0.45
1999: 0.75

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Unintentional Male Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional male shooting deaths total

2017: 147
2016: 187
2015: 10
2014: 11
2013: 12
2012: 24
2011: 14
2010: 19
2009: 17
2008: 14

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Rate of Unintentional Male Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional male shooting death per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.577
2016: 0.75
2015: 0.42
2014: 0.47
2013: 0.52
2012: 1.04
2011: 0.61
2010: 0.84
2009: 0.76
2008: 0.64

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Unintentional Female Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional female shooting deaths total

2017: 17
2016: 4
2015: 2
2014: 2
2013: 3
2012: 2
2011: 3
2010: 1
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Unintentional Female Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional female shooting death per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.047
2016: 0.16
2015: 0.08
2014: 0.08
2013: 0.12
2012: 0.08
2011: 0.12
2010: 0.04
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Unintentional Handgun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional shooting deaths by handgun total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)7
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

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Rate of Unintentional Handgun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by handgun per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 0
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

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Unintentional Male Handgun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional male shooting deaths by handgun total

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Unintentional Male Handgun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional male shooting death by handgun per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Unintentional Female Handgun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional female shooting deaths by handgun total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Unintentional Female Handgun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional female shooting death by handgun per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Unintentional Long Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional shooting deaths by long gun total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)7
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

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Rate of Unintentional Long Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by long gun per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 0
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

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Unintentional Male Long Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional male shooting deaths by long gun total

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Unintentional Male Long Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional male shooting death by long gun per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Unintentional Female Long Gun Deaths

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional female shooting deaths by long gun total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Unintentional Female Long Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional female shooting death by long gun per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Unintentional Gun Deaths (Other)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional shooting deaths by firearm (other) total

2017: 147
2016: 17
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 10
2013: 13
2012: 22
2011: 15
2010: 17
2009: 13
2008: 10
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 10
2005: 30
2004: 13
2003: 20
2002: 27
2001: 12
2000: 14
1999: 23

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Rate of Unintentional Gun Death (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death by firearm (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.287
2016: 0.34
2015: 0
2014: 0.21
2013: 0.27
2012: 0.47
2011: 0.32
2010: 0.37
2009: 0.28
2008: 0.22
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.70
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.48
2002: 0.66
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.58

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Unintentional Male Gun Deaths (Other)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional male shooting deaths by firearm (other) total

2017: 137
2016: 137
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 10
2012: 20
2011: 12
2010: 16
2009: 13
2008: 10

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Rate of Unintentional Male Gun Death (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional male shooting death by firearm (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.537
2016: 0.54
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0.43
2012: 0.87
2011: 0.53
2010: 0.71
2009: 0.58
2008: 0.45

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Unintentional Female Gun Deaths (Other)

ChartIn South Carolina, annual unintentional female shooting deaths by firearm (other) total

2017: 17
2016: 4
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 3
2012: 2
2011: 3
2010: 1
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Unintentional Female Handgun Death (Other) per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unintentional female shooting death by firearm (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 0.047
2016: 0.16
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0.12
2012: 0.08
2011: 0.12
2010: 0.04
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)8
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 7
2006: 5
2005: 2
2004: 3
2003: 2
2002: 4
2001: 4
2000: 7
1999: 6

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Rate of Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 0
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0
2007: 0.16
2006: 0.11
2005: 0.05
2004: 0.07
2003: 0.05
2002: 0.10
2001: 0.10
2000: 0.17
1999: 0.15

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Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Male Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause male shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Female Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause female shooting deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Handgun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual deaths by handgun in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)7
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

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Rate of Handgun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause handgun deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 0
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

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Male Handgun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male deaths by handgun in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Male Handgun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause male handgun deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Female Handgun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female deaths by handgun in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

Compare
Rate of Female Handgun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause female handgun deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Long Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual deaths by long gun in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)7
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

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Rate of Long Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause long gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 0
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

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Male Long Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male deaths by long gun in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Male Long Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause male long gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Female Long Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female deaths by long gun in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

Compare
Rate of Female Long Gun Death from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause female long gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual deaths by firearm (other) in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)7
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

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Rate of Gun Death (Other) from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause gun deaths (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 0
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0
2007: 0.00 (unreliable)
2006: 0.00 (unreliable)
2005: 0.00 (unreliable)
2004: 0.00 (unreliable)
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 0.00 (unreliable)
2001: 0.00 (unreliable)
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

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Male Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual male deaths by firearm (other) in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Male Gun Death (Other) from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause male gun deaths (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Female Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn South Carolina, annual female deaths by firearm (other) in which the cause remains undecided total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Rate of Female Gun Death (Other) from Undetermined Cause per 100,000 People

ChartIn South Carolina, the annual rate of unknown-cause female gun deaths (other) per 100,000 population is

2017: 07
2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0

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Legal Intervention Gun Homicides

ChartIn South Carolina, annual legal-intervention gun homicides total

2017: 07
2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 10
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0
2010: 0
2009: 0
2008: 0
2007: 9
2006: 11
2005: 7
2004: 11
2003: 5
2002: 6
2001: 519
2000: 3
1999: 0 (suppressed)
1998: 1
1997: 13
1996: 12
1995: 4

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Origin of Crime Guns

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Suppliers of Crime Guns to Other US States (Rate)

When crime guns seized in the United States were traced, interstate gun traffickers had sourced their weapons from South Carolina at a rate of 33.020 per 100,000 inhabitants

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Suppliers of Crime Guns to Other US States (Rank)

When crime guns seized in the United States were traced, South Carolina ranked at No. 620 out of 51 US jurisdictions as a source of weapons for interstate gun trafficking

MeasuresGun Regulation

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Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in South Carolina is categorised as permissive21

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in South Carolina includes the South Carolina Code of Laws 2012 and the Constitution of South Carolina 189522

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in South Carolina are regulated by the State of South Carolina23 24 25

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Right to Possess Firearms

In South Carolina, the right to private gun ownership is conditionally guaranteed by the US Constitution,26 as limited by federal law27 and state law28 24 25

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Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In South Carolina, civilians are not allowed to possess machine guns, unless manufactured prior to 19 May 1986 and with few other exceptions,29 but civilians are allowed to possess assault weapons,30 .50 calibre rifles31 and large capacity ammunition magazines32 24 25

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Regulation of Automatic Weapons

In South Carolina, private possession of fully automatic weapons is permitted subject to federal licensing and registration29 33 24 25

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Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In South Carolina, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted without a licence30 24 25

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Regulation of Handguns

In South Carolina, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted under licence34 24 25

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Gun Ownership and Possession

In South Carolina, non-prohibited persons of minimum age35 36 24 25 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

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Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in South Carolina is 18 years for handguns (no minimum age for rifles or shotguns)37 24 25

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Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in South Carolina does not stipulate38 24 25 that firearm possession should be denied or revoked

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Firearm Safety Training

In South Carolina, an understanding of firearm safety and the law, tested in a theoretical and/or practical training course is required for a permit to carry a hidden handgun34 24 25

Firearm Registration

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Civilian Gun Registration

In South Carolina, the law does not require39 24 25 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

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Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In South Carolina, licensed firearm dealers are not required40 24 25 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

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Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In South Carolina, the private sale and transfer of firearms is permitted41 24 25

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Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In South Carolina, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is unlawful only for handguns42 24 25

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Background Checks for Private Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm in a private sale in South Carolina is not obliged43 24 25 to pass official background checks before taking possession

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Background Checks for Dealer Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm from a licensed gun dealer in South Carolina is not obliged (under State Law)43 24 25 to pass official background checks before taking possession

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Limit on Gun Dealer Sales

In South Carolina, the number and type of firearms which can be sold by a licensed gun dealer to a single gun owner is not limited44 24 25

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Number of Licensed Gun Dealers

ChartThe number of licensed firearm dealers in South Carolina is reported to be

2015: 2,24045
2014: 2,24346
2013: 2,20947
2012: 2,04748
2011: 1,89949

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Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In South Carolina, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined50 24 25

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Regulation of Gun Shows

In South Carolina, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated51 24 25 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in South Carolina do not include52 24 25 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private guns and ammunition

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Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in South Carolina do not include53 24 25 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

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Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in South Carolina include54 52 24 25 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

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Firearm Marking

In South Carolina, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law55 56 57 58 24 25

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Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In South Carolina, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not59 24 25 recorded in a register

Carrying Guns

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Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In South Carolina, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit (for handguns) and without a permit (for rifles and shotguns)60 24 25

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Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In South Carolina, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit34 24 25

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Hidden Handgun Permit May, or Shall Be Issued

In South Carolina, local licensing authorities "shall issue", without room for discretion,34 61 24 25 a hidden handgun carry permit to any non-prohibited person who applies

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Reciprocity for Hidden Handgun Permit Holders

In South Carolina, gun owners with a permit to carry hidden handguns issued in another jurisdiction are granted (by mutual agreement)34 24 25 reciprocal rights

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Exempting Hidden Handgun Permit Holders from Background Checks

In South Carolina, gun owners with a valid permit to carry a hidden handgun are exempt62 24 25 from background checks when buying from a licensed gun dealer

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Gun Free Zones

In South Carolina, private guns are prohibited in State Capitol or publicly-owned buildings, bars, state park and recreation facilities, police stations, detention facilities, courthouses, polling places, local or state authority meetings, school athletic events, child care facilities, any prohibited place, churches, hospitals or medical facilities,63 public transportation vehicles, vehicles (exposed firearms)54 and schools64 24 25

Grading US State Gun Laws

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Gun Law Ranking – LCPGV

In their 'A-F' State Scorecard of US gun laws, the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence ranked South Carolina as ‘F’65

Gun Law Ranking – Brady Campaign

ChartIn its annual State Scorecard, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence scored firearm legislation in South Carolina on a scale of 0 points (weak) to 100 points (strong)

2011: 866
2010: 1067
2009: 1068
2008: 969
2007: 1170

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Gun Law Ranking – Open Society Institute

In its Comparative Survey of State Firearm Laws, the Open Society Institute ranked South Carolina at No. 1271 among 50 US States

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