Find Gun Policy Facts

Armed violence prevention, gun control laws and the small arms trade:

Go To ..

West Virginia — Gun Facts, Figures and the Law

For US national statistics, federal law, inter-country comparisons and international agreements, see the United States country page
expand all collapse all

StockpilesGun Numbers

Civilian Guns

Compare
Proportion of Adults Living in a Home With a Gun

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

2004: 58.0%1
2002: 57.9%2
2001: 55.4%3

Compare
Proportion of Households with Firearms

In West Virginia, the percentage of households with one or more guns is reported to be

2004: 54.64%4

Compare
Proportion of Households with Firearms by Decade

ChartIn West Virginia, the percentage of households with one or more guns is estimated to be

2001/2010: 70.0%5 6
1991/2000: 73.6%
1981/1990: 75.7%

ImpactsDeath and Injury

Compare
Total Number of Gun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual deaths resulting from firearms total

2016: 3327
2015: 278
2014: 2868
2013: 280
2012: 278
2011: 278
2010: 273
2009: 251
2008: 239
2007: 267
2006: 253
2005: 261
2004: 253
2003: 265
2002: 271
2001: 251
2000: 242
1999: 250

Compare
Rate of All Gun Deaths per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 population is

2016: 18.137
2015: 15.07
2014: 15.46
2013: 15.11
2012: 14.98
2011: 14.99
2010: 14.73
2009: 13.58
2008: 12.99
2007: 14.56
2006: 13.84
2005: 14.34
2004: 13.93
2003: 14.62
2002: 15.01
2001: 13.93
2000: 13.38
1999: 13.80

Compare
Total Number of Male Gun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male deaths resulting from firearms total

2016: 2797
2015: 235
2014: 234
2013: 249
2012: 226

Compare
Rate of Male Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of male gun death per 100,000 population is

2016: 30.807
2015: 25.79
2014: 25.60
2013: 27.20
2012: 24.69

Compare
Total Number of Female Gun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female deaths resulting from firearms total

2016: 537
2015: 43
2014: 52
2013: 31
2012: 52

Compare
Rate of Female Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of female gun death per 100,000 population is

2016: 5.737
2015: 4.61
2014: 5.55
2013: 3.30
2012: 5.53

Compare
Homicides (any method)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual homicides by any means total

2016: 1077
2015: 79
2014: 98
2013: 71
2012: 101
2011: 101
2010: 86
2009: 92
2008: 70
2007: 86
2006: 97
2005: 93
2004: 79
2003: 89
2002: 95
2001: 68
2000: 80
1999: 99

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

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of homicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2016: 5.847
2015: 4.28
2014: 5.30
2013: 3.83
2012: 5.44
2011: 5.44
2010: 4.64
2009: 4.98
2008: 3.80
2007: 4.69
2006: 5.31
2005: 5.11
2004: 4.35
2003: 4.91
2002: 5.26
2001: 3.77
2000: 4.42
1999: 5.46

Compare
Male Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male homicides by any means total

2016: 877
2015: 61
2014: 67
2013: 55
2012: 70

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

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

2016: 9.607
2015: 6.70
2014: 7.33
2013: 6.01
2012: 7.65

Compare
Female Homicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female homicides by any means total

2016: 207
2015: 18
2014: 31
2013: 16
2012: 31

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

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

2016: 2.167
2015: 0
2014: 3.31
2013: 0
2012: 3.30

Compare
Gun Homicides

ChartIn West Virginia, annual firearm homicides total

2016: 787
2015: 50
2014: 58
2013: 36
2012: 66
2011: 61
2010: 47
2009: 57
2008: 37
2007: 46
2006: 57
2005: 57
2004: 52
2003: 60
2002: 66
2001: 38
2000: 56
1999: 62

Compare
Rate of Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 4.267
2015: 2.71
2014: 3.13
2013: 2.32
2012: 3.56
2011: 3.29
2010: 2.54
2009: 3.08
2008: 2.51
2006: 3.12
2005: 3.13
2004: 2.86
2003: 3.31
2002: 3.66
2001: 2.11
2000: 3.10
1999: 3.42

Compare
Male Gun Homicide Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male firearm homicides total

2016: 667
2015: 38
2014: 41
2013: 36
2012: 47

Compare
Rate of Male Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of male firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 7.297
2015: 4.17
2014: 4.49
2013: 3.93
2012: 5.13

Compare
Female Gun Homicide Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female firearm homicides total

2016: 127
2015: 12
2014: 17
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 19

Compare
Rate of Female Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of female firearm homicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Handgun Homicides

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

2016: 3010 11
2015: 19
2014: 12
2013: 17
2012: 26
2011: 23
2010: 16
2009: 20
2008: 14
2007: 18
2006: 24
2005: 18
2004: 15
2003: 22
2002: 19
2001: 13
2000: 13
1999: 33
1998: 34
1997: 31
1996: 27
1995: 48

Compare
Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People

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

2016: 1.6413
2015: 1.03
2014: 0.65
2013: 0.92
2012: 1.40
2011: 1.24
2010: 0.86
2009: 1.08
2008: 0.76
2007: 0.98
2006: 1.31
2005: 0.99
2004: 0.83
2003: 1.21
2002: 1.05
2001: 0.72
2000: 0.72
1999: 1.82
1998: 1.87
1997: 1.70
1996: 1.48
1995: 2.63

Compare
Handgun Homicides (CDC)

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

2016: 227
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
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)

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

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

2016: 1.477
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
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)

Compare
Male Handgun Homicide Victims (CDC)

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

2016: 227
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 2.437
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Female Handgun Homicide Victims (CDC)

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Long Gun Homicides

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

2016: 210 11
2015: 2
2014: 1
2013: 6
2012: 7
2011: 13
2010: 4
2009: 5
2008: 12
2007: 8
2006: 5
2005: 6
2004: 7
2003: 7
2002: 7
2001: 4
2000: 5
1999: 8
1998: 17
1997: 25
1996: 16
1995: 15

Compare
Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People

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

2016: 0.1113
2015: 0.11
2014: 0.05
2013: 0.32
2012: 0.38
2011: 0.70
2010: 0.22
2009: 0.27
2008: 0.65
2007: 0.44
2006: 0.27
2005: 0.33
2004: 0.39
2003: 0.39
2002: 0.39
2001: 0.22
2000: 0.28
1999: 0.44
1998: 0.94
1997: 1.37
1996: 0.88
1995: 0.82

Compare
Long Gun Homicides (CDC)

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

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 10
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 0 (suppressed)
2005: 15
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 11
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
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)

Compare
Male Long Gun Homicide Victims (CDC)

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 10
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Female Long Gun Homicide Victims (CDC)

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Gun Homicides (Other)

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

2016: 1510 11
2015: 9
2014: 3
2013: 7
2012: 14
2011: 7
2010: 7
2009: 13
2008: 7
2007: 11
2006: 11
2005: 16
2004: 9
2003: 5
2002: 8
2001: 2
2000: 5
1999: 3
1998: 4
1997: 1
1996: 2
1995: 2

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

ChartIn West Virginia, according to figures17 from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the annual rate of firearm homicide (other) per 100,000 population is

2016: 0.8213
2015: 0.49
2014: 0.16
2013: 0.38
2012: 0.75
2011: 0.38
2010: 0.38
2009: 0.70
2008: 0.38
2007: 0.60
2006: 0.60
2005: 0.88
2004: 0.50
2003: 0.28
2002: 0.44
2001: 0.11
2000: 0.28
1999: 0.17
1998: 0.22
1997: 0.05
1996: 0.11
1995: 0.11

Compare
Gun Homicides (Other) (CDC)

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

2016: 377
2015: 25
2014: 44
2013: 18
2012: 50
2011: 45
2010: 38
2009: 43
2008: 27
2007: 41
2006: 46
2005: 39
2004: 41
2003: 46
2002: 54
2001: 30
2000: 43
1999: 46

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

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

2016: 2.357
2015: 1.68
2014: 2.38
2013: 1.19
2012: 2.69
2011: 2.43
2010: 2.05
2009: 2.33
2008: 1.47
2007: 2.24
2006: 2.52
2005: 2.14
2004: 2.26
2003: 2.54
2002: 2.99
2001: 1.67
2000: 2.38
1999: 2.54

Compare
Male Gun Homicide Victims (Other) (CDC)

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

2016: 377
2015: 25
2014: 33
2013: 18
2012: 37

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

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

2016: 4.087
2015: 2.74
2014: 3.61
2013: 0
2012: 4.04

Compare
Female Gun Homicide Victims (Other) (CDC)

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 11
2013: 0
2012: 13

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Suicides (any method)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual suicides by any means total

2016: 3617
2015: 340
2014: 359
2013: 3238
2012: 326
2011: 306
2010: 279
2009: 253
2008: 261
2007: 300
2006: 269
2005: 255
2004: 285
2003: 266
2002: 276
2001: 286
2000: 245
1999: 229

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

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of suicide by any means per 100,000 population is

2016: 19.717
2015: 18.44
2014: 19.40
2013: 17.42
2012: 17.57
2011: 16.49
2010: 15.06
2009: 13.69
2008: 14.18
2007: 16.36
2006: 14.72
2005: 14.01
2004: 15.69
2003: 14.68
2002: 15.29
2001: 15.88
2000: 13.55
1999: 12.64

Compare
Male Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male suicides by any means total

2016: 2797
2015: 271
2014: 280
2013: 270
2012: 253

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

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

2016: 30.807
2015: 29.75
2014: 30.64
2013: 29.49
2012: 27.64

Compare
Female Suicide Victims (any method)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female suicides by any means total

2016: 827
2015: 69
2014: 79
2013: 53
2012: 73

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

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

2016: 8.867
2015: 7.39
2014: 8.44
2013: 5.65
2012: 7.77

Compare
Gun Suicides

ChartIn West Virginia, annual firearm suicides total

2016: 2387
2015: 215
2014: 217
2013: 2258
2012: 198
2011: 200
2010: 210
2009: 178
2008: 172
2007: 205
2006: 179
2005: 188
2004: 192
2003: 191
2002: 188
2001: 195
2000: 173
1999: 169

Compare
Rate of Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 137
2015: 11.66
2014: 11.73
2013: 12.13
2012: 10.67
2011: 10.78
2010: 11.33
2009: 9.63
2008: 9.35
2007: 11.18
2006: 9.79
2005: 10.33
2004: 10.57
2003: 10.54
2002: 10.41
2001: 10.82
2000: 9.57
1999: 9.33

Compare
Male Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male firearm suicides total

2016: 1997
2015: 186
2014: 182
2013: 205
2012: 167

Compare
Rate of Male Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of male firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 21.977
2015: 20.42
2014: 19.91
2013: 22.39
2012: 18.24

Compare
Female Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female firearm suicides total

2016: 397
2015: 29
2014: 35
2013: 20
2012: 31

Compare
Rate of Female Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of female firearm suicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 4.227
2015: 3.11
2014: 3.74
2013: 2.13
2012: 3.30

Compare
Handgun Suicides

ChartIn West Virginia, annual handgun suicides total

2016: 887
2015: 84
2014: 87
2013: 94
2012: 77
2011: 85
2010: 106
2009: 64
2008: 51
2007: 55
2006: 37
2005: 48
2004: 33
2003: 17
2002: 23
2001: 29
2000: 15
1999: 18

Compare
Rate of Handgun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of handgun suicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 4.817
2015: 4.55
2014: 4.70
2013: 5.39
2012: 4.15
2011: 4.58
2010: 5.72
2009: 3.46
2008: 2.77
2007: 3.00
2006: 2.02
2005: 2.64
2004: 1.82
2003: 0.00 (unreliable)
2002: 1.27
2001: 1.61
2000: 0.00 (unreliable)
1999: 0.00 (unreliable)

Compare
Male Handgun Suicide Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male handgun suicides total

2016: 697
2015: 72
2014: 65
2013: 94
2012: 62

Compare
Rate of Male Handgun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of male handgun suicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 7.627
2015: 7.90
2014: 7.11
2013: 10.27
2012: 6.77

Compare
Female Handgun Suicide Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female handgun suicides total

2016: 197
2015: 12
2014: 22
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 15

Compare
Rate of Female Handgun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of female handgun suicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 2.35
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Long Gun Suicides

ChartIn West Virginia, the number of long gun suicides is

2016: 367
2015: 31
2014: 50
2013: 40
2012: 41
2011: 44
2010: 39
2009: 42
2008: 33
2007: 46
2006: 42
2005: 32
2004: 37
2003: 36
2002: 35
2001: 30
2000: 27
1999: 23

Compare
Rate of Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of long gun suicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 2.137
2015: 1.79
2014: 2.92
2013: 2.32
2012: 2.48
2011: 2.37
2010: 2.10
2009: 2.27
2008: 1.79
2007: 2.51
2006: 2.30
2005: 1.76
2004: 2.04
2003: 1.99
2002: 1.94
2001: 1.67
2000: 1.49
1999: 1.27

Compare
Male Long Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male long gun suicides total

2016: 367
2015: 31
2014: 50
2013: 40
2012: 41

Compare
Rate of Male Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of male long gun suicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 3.977
2015: 3.40
2014: 5.47
2013: 4.37
2012: 4.48

Compare
Female Long Gun Suicide Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female long gun suicides total

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)

Compare
Rate of Female Long Gun Suicide per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of female long gun suicide per 100,000 population is

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Gun Suicides (Other)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual gun suicides (other) total

2016: 1117
2015: 98
2014: 67
2013: 827
2012: 75
2011: 71
2010: 65
2009: 72
2008: 88
2007: 104
2006: 100
2005: 108
2004: 122
2003: 138
2002: 130
2001: 136
2000: 131
1999: 128

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

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

2016: 6.067
2015: 5.31
2014: 4.11
2013: 4.42
2012: 4.04
2011: 3.83
2010: 3.51
2009: 3.90
2008: 4.78
2007: 5.67
2006: 5.47
2005: 5.93
2004: 6.72
2003: 7.61
2002: 7.20
2001: 7.55
2000: 7.24
1999: 7.06

Compare
Male Gun Suicide (Other) Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male gun suicides (other) total

2016: 947
2015: 83
2014: 67
2013: 71
2012: 64

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

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

2016: 10.387
2015: 9.11
2014: 7.33
2013: 7.75
2012: 6.99

Compare
Female Gun Suicide (Other) Victims

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female gun suicides (other) total

2016: 177
2015: 15
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 11
2012: 11

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Unintentional Gun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional shooting deaths total

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)8
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2010: 10
2009: 16
2008: 26
2007: 13
2006: 13
2005: 13
2004: 5
2003: 10
2002: 12
2001: 12
2000: 6
1999: 11

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Gun Death per 100,000 People

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of unintentional shooting death per 100,000 population is

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.54
2009: 0.87
2008: 1.41
2007: 0.71
2006: 0.71
2005: 0.71
2004: 0.28
2003: 0.55
2002: 0.67
2001: 0.67
2000: 0.33
1999: 0.61

Compare
Unintentional Male Gun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional male shooting deaths total

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of unintentional male shooting death per 100,000 population is

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Unintentional Female Gun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional female shooting deaths total

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)

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

ChartIn West Virginia, the annual rate of unintentional female shooting death per 100,000 population is

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Unintentional Handgun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional shooting deaths by handgun total

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)

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Handgun Death per 100,000 People

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
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)

Compare
Unintentional Male Handgun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional male shooting deaths by handgun total

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Male Handgun Death per 100,000 People

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Unintentional Female Handgun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional female shooting deaths by handgun total

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)

Compare
Rate of Unintentional Female Handgun Death per 100,000 People

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Unintentional Long Gun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional shooting deaths by long gun total

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)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
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)

Compare
Unintentional Male Long Gun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional male shooting deaths by long gun total

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Unintentional Female Long Gun Deaths

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional female shooting deaths by long gun total

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Unintentional Gun Deaths (Other)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional shooting deaths by firearm (other) total

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: 21
2007: 0 (suppressed)
2006: 12
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)
2000: 0 (suppressed)
1999: 0 (suppressed)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 1.14
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)

Compare
Unintentional Male Gun Deaths (Other)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional male shooting deaths by firearm (other) total

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Unintentional Female Gun Deaths (Other)

ChartIn West Virginia, annual unintentional female shooting deaths by firearm (other) total

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn West Virginia, annual shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

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: 2
2006: 2
2005: 2
2004: 1
2003: 3
2002: 4
2001: 3
2000: 4
1999: 7

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
2007: 0.11
2006: 0.11
2005: 0.11
2004: 0.06
2003: 0.17
2002: 0.22
2001: 0.17
2000: 0.22
1999: 0.39

Compare
Male Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Female Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female shooting deaths in which the cause remains undecided total

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Handgun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn West Virginia, annual deaths by handgun in which the cause remains undecided total

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)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
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)

Compare
Male Handgun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male deaths by handgun in which the cause remains undecided total

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Female Handgun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female deaths by handgun in which the cause remains undecided total

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Long Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn West Virginia, annual deaths by long gun in which the cause remains undecided total

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)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
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)

Compare
Male Long Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn West Virginia, annual male deaths by long gun in which the cause remains undecided total

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Female Long Gun Deaths from Undetermined Cause

ChartIn West Virginia, annual female deaths by long gun in which the cause remains undecided total

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined Cause

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

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)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0
2011: 0.00 (unreliable)
2010: 0.00 (unreliable)
2009: 0.00 (unreliable)
2008: 0.00 (unreliable)
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)

Compare
Male Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined Cause

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Female Gun Deaths (Other) from Undetermined Cause

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

2016: 0 (suppressed)7
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)

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

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

2016: 07
2015: 0
2014: 0
2013: 0
2012: 0

Compare
Legal Intervention Gun Homicides

ChartIn West Virginia, annual legal-intervention gun homicides total

2016: 117
2015: 0 (suppressed)
2014: 0 (suppressed)
2013: 0 (suppressed)
2012: 0 (suppressed)
2011: 0 (suppressed)18
2010: 0 (suppressed)
2009: 0 (suppressed)
2008: 0 (suppressed)19
2007: 1
2006: 1
2005: 0 (suppressed)
2004: 0 (suppressed)
2003: 0 (suppressed)
2002: 0 (suppressed)
2001: 0 (suppressed)20
2000: 6
1999: 0 (suppressed)
1998: 1
1997: 1
1996: 1
1995: 2

TransfersGun Trade and Trafficking

Origin of Crime Guns

Compare
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 West Virginia at a rate of 46.821 per 100,000 inhabitants

Compare
Suppliers of Crime Guns to Other US States (Rank)

When crime guns seized in the United States were traced, West Virginia ranked at No. 221 out of 51 US jurisdictions as a source of weapons for interstate gun trafficking

MeasuresGun Regulation

Compare
Firearm Regulation - Guiding Policy

The regulation of guns in West Virginia is categorised as permissive22

Firearm Law

Guiding gun control legislation in West Virginia includes the West Virginia Code and the Constitution of West Virginia 197223

Firearm Regulation Authority

Guns in West Virginia are regulated by the State of West Virginia24 25 26

Compare
Right to Possess Firearms

In West Virginia, the right to private gun ownership is conditionally guaranteed by the US Constitution,27 as limited by federal law28 and state law29 25 26

Compare
Restricted Firearms and Ammunition

In West Virginia, civilians are not allowed to possess machine guns, unless manufactured prior to 19 May 1986,30 but civilians are allowed to possess assault weapons,31 .50 calibre rifles32 and large capacity ammunition magazines33 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Automatic Weapons

In West Virginia, private possession of fully automatic weapons is permitted subject to federal licensing and registration30 34 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Semiautomatic Assault Weapons

In West Virginia, private possession of semi-automatic assault weapons is permitted without a licence31 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Handguns

In West Virginia, private possession of handguns (pistols and revolvers) is permitted without a licence35 36 25 26

Compare
Gun Ownership and Possession

In West Virginia, non-prohibited persons of minimum age36 35 25 26 may lawfully acquire, possess or transfer a firearm or ammunition

Compare
Minimum Age for Firearm Possession

The minimum age for gun ownership in West Virginia is 18 years37 25 26

Compare
Domestic Violence and Firearms

Where a past history, or apprehended likelihood of family violence exists, the law in West Virginia stipulates38 25 26 that firearm possession should be denied or revoked

Compare
Firearm Safety Training

In West Virginia, 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 handgun39 25 26

Firearm Registration

Compare
Civilian Gun Registration

In West Virginia, the law does not require40 25 26 that a record of the acquisition, possession and transfer of each privately held firearm be retained in an official register

Compare
Gun Dealer Record Keeping

In West Virginia, licensed firearm dealers are not required41 25 26 to keep a record of each firearm or ammunition purchase, sale or transfer on behalf of a regulating authority

Gun Sales and Transfers

Compare
Regulation of Private Gun Sales

In West Virginia, the private sale and transfer of firearms is permitted42 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Dealer Gun Sales

In West Virginia, dealing in firearms by way of business without a valid gun dealer’s licence is not unlawful43 25 26

Compare
Background Checks for Private Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm in a private sale in West Virginia is not obliged44 42 25 26 to pass official background checks before taking possession

Compare
Background Checks for Dealer Gun Sales

The buyer of a firearm from a licensed gun dealer in West Virginia is not obliged (under State Law)44 25 26 to pass official background checks before taking possession

Compare
Limit on Gun Dealer Sales

In West Virginia, the number and type of firearms which can be sold by a licensed gun dealer to a single gun owner is not limited45 25 26

Compare
Number of Licensed Gun Dealers

ChartThe number of licensed firearm dealers in West Virginia is reported to be

2015: 1,49746
2014: 1,51847
2013: 1,46948
2012: 1,42049
2011: 1,33750

Compare
Waiting Period for Gun Possession

In West Virginia, the minimum wait for a lawful firearm purchase to be completed is undetermined51 25 26

Compare
Regulation of Gun Shows

In West Virginia, gun shows and temporary firearm dealing events are not regulated52 25 26 in law

Storage and Transport of Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Private

Firearm regulations in West Virginia do not include53 25 26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of private guns and ammunition

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations - Dealer

Firearm regulations in West Virginia include54 25 26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition by licensed arms dealers

Compare
Firearm and Ammunition Transport Regulations

Regulations in West Virginia include55 53 25 26 written specifications for the lawful safe storage of firearms and ammunition while in transit

Marking and Tracing Guns and Ammunition

Compare
Firearm Marking

In West Virginia, a unique identifying mark on each firearm is required by law56 57 58 59 25 26

Compare
Ballistic Record of Firearms and Ammunition

In West Virginia, the ballistic characteristics of each civilian firearm and its ammunition are not60 25 26 recorded in a register

Carrying Guns

Compare
Carrying Guns Openly in Public

In West Virginia, carrying a firearm in plain view in a public place is allowed without a permit for handguns or long guns61 25 26

Compare
Carrying Hidden Handguns in Public

In West Virginia, carrying a concealed firearm in a public place is allowed, subject to a valid permit39 25 26

Compare
Hidden Handgun Permit May, or Shall Be Issued

In West Virginia, local licensing authorities "shall issue", without room for discretion,39 62 25 26 a hidden handgun carry permit to any non-prohibited person who applies

Compare
Reciprocity for Hidden Handgun Permit Holders

In West Virginia, gun owners with a permit to carry hidden handguns issued in another jurisdiction are granted (by mutual agreement)39 25 26 reciprocal rights

Compare
Exempting Hidden Handgun Permit Holders from Background Checks

In West Virginia, gun owners with a valid permit to carry a hidden handgun are not exempt39 25 26 from background checks when buying from a licensed gun dealer

Compare
Gun Free Zones

In West Virginia, private guns are prohibited in courthouses, State Capitol building, any prohibited place,63 vehicles (loaded firearms)55 and schools64 25 26

Grading US State Gun Laws

Compare
Gun Law Ranking – LCPGV

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

Gun Law Ranking – Brady Campaign

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

2011: 466
2010: 467
2009: 468
2008: 469
2007: 670

Compare
Gun Law Ranking – Open Society Institute

In its Comparative Survey of State Firearm Laws, the Open Society Institute ranked West Virginia at No. 3571 among 50 US States

Short References

1.

Miller, Matthew, Catherine Barber, Richard A. White and Deborah Azrael.2013.‘Firearms and Suicide in the United States: Is Risk Independent of Underlying Suicidal Behavior?.’ American Journal of Epidemiology.Baltimore, MD:Oxford Journals / Oxford University Press,23 August. (Q8393)Full Citation

2.

Okoro, Catherine A., David E. Nelson, James A. Mercy, Lina S. Balluz, Alex E. Crosby and Ali H. Mokdad.2005.‘Table 1: Prevalence Estimates of Adults With Household Firearms, 2002.’ Prevalence of Household Firearms and Firearm-Storage Practices in the 50 States and the District of Columbia: Findings From the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2002.Elk Grove Village, IL:Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics,1 September. (Q8392)Full Citation

3.

North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics.2002.‘Question: Are any firearms now kept in or around your home? Include those kept in a garage, outdoor storage area, car, truck, or other motor vehicle.’ BRFSS Survey Results 2001 for Nationwide.Atlanta, GA:Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System / BRFSS, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC,2 September. (Q8391)Full Citation

4.

Azrael, Deborah, Philip J. Cook and Matthew Miller.2004.‘Table AIV: Firearms Prevalence by State Estimated from HICRC and from FS/S.’ State and Local Prevalence of Firearms Ownership Measurement, Structure, and Trends.New York, NY:Journal of Quantitative Criminology,1 March. (Q8325)Full Citation

5.

Siegel, Michael, Craig S. Ross and Charles King III.2013.‘Table A1: Average Gun Ownership Levels (Measured by Percentage of Suicides Committed Using Firearms) by State and Decade.’ The Relationship Between Gun Ownership and Firearm Homicide Rates in the United States, 1981–2010.Washington, DC:American Journal of Public Health,1 November. (Q8324)Full Citation

6.

Sabrina Tavernise and Robert Gebeloff. 2013. ‘Share of Homes with Guns Shows 4-Decade Decline.’ New York Times. 9 March. (N315) Full Citation

7.

CDC.2017.‘Underlying Cause of Death, Results.’ CDC WONDER Online Database.Atlanta, GA:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC, National Center for Health Statistics,1 December. (Q6875)Full Citation

8.

CDC.2017.‘Injury Mortality Reports 1999 and Onwards (USA).’ Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System / CDC WISQARS.Atlanta:National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / CDC,20 December. (Q1377)Full Citation

9.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Number of Handgun Homicides.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G142) Full Citation

10.

FBI.2017.‘Crime in the United States / CIUS.’ Uniform Crime Reports / UCR.Washington, DC:US Federal Bureau of Investigation,1 September. (Q1978)Full Citation

11.

Rokaw, William M., James A. Mercy and Jack C. Smith.1990.‘Comparing Death Certificate Data with FBI Crime Reporting Statistics on US Homicides.’ Public Health Reports.Atlanta, GA:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),1 September. (Q6535)Full Citation

12.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Rate of Handgun Homicide per 100,000 People.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G155) Full Citation

13.

GunPolicy.org.2015.‘Calculated Rates - West Virginia.’ Historical Population Data - USCB International Data Base.Suitland, MD:US Census Bureau Population Division,13 July. (Q7221)Full Citation

14.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Number of Long Gun Homicides.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G143) Full Citation

15.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Rate of Long Gun Homicide per 100,000 People.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G156) Full Citation

16.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Number of Gun Homicides (Other).’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G144) Full Citation

17.

GunPolicy.org. 2015. ‘Rate of Gun Homicide (Other) per 100,000 People.’ Definition and Selection Criteria.
Sydney School of Public Health, 15 April. (G157) Full Citation

18.

FBI.2013.‘Supplementary Homicide Report Listing by State 2009-2011 - Justifiable Homicides.’ FBI Supplementary Homicide Report 1995-2011.Washington, DC:US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program,23 January. (Q6872)Full Citation

19.

FBI.2013.‘Supplementary Homicide Report Listing by State 2002-2008 - Justifiable Homicides.’ FBI Supplementary Homicide Report 1995-2011.Washington, DC:US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program,23 January. (Q6873)Full Citation

20.

FBI.2013.‘Supplementary Homicide Report Listing by State 1995-2001 - Justifiable Homicides.’ FBI Supplementary Homicide Report 1995-2011.Washington, DC:US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program,23 January. (Q6874)Full Citation

21.

MAIG.2010.‘Part II: Identifying the Rates at which States "Export" Crime Guns.’ Trace the Guns: The Link between Gun Laws and Interstate Gun Trafficking.New York, NY:Mayors Against Illegal Guns (MAIG),1 September. (Q8321)Full Citation

22.

Newton, George D and Franklin E Zimring.1969.‘Firearm Licensing: Permissive v Restrictive.’ Firearms & Violence in American Life: A staff report submitted to the National Commission on the Causes and Prevention of Violence.Washington, DC:US Government Printing Office,1 January. (Q22)Full Citation

23.

State of West Virginia.2013.‘West Virginia Code and Constitution of West Virginia 1972.’ West Virginia Legislature.Charleston, WV:West Virginia Legislature,17 October. (Q8143)Full Citation

24.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘West Virginia Code § 8-12-5a, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Local Authority to Regulate Firearms in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7744)Full Citation

25.

Cage, Feilding, Greg Chen and Gabriel Dance.2013.‘Gun Laws in the US, State by State - Interactive.’ The Guardian.New York, NY:The Guardian,16 January. (Q7938)Full Citation

26.

Wikipedia.2013.‘Gun Laws in the United States by State.’ Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.San Francisco, CA:Wikimedia Foundation,7 October. (Q7937)Full Citation

27.

USA.1791.‘Second Amendment to the Constitution.’ Constitution of the United States, The Bill of Rights.Washington, DC:Congress of the United States of America,15 December. (Q1954)Full Citation

28.

Scalia, J.2008.‘District of Columbia et al. v. Heller.’ Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.Washington, DC:Supreme Court of the United States,26 June. (Q8502)Full Citation

29.

State of West Virginia.2011.‘Article III, § 22 of the West Virginia Constitution.’ Firearms Law Database - State Right to Bear Arms in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,18 April. (Q8268)Full Citation

30.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘W. Va. Code § 61-7-9, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Machine Guns and Automatic Firearms in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8548)Full Citation

31.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Assault Weapons in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8588)Full Citation

32.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Fifty Caliber Rifles in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8628)Full Citation

33.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8669)Full Citation

34.

ATF.2010.‘National Firearms Act (NFA).’ Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - National Firearms Act Branch.Martinsburg, VA:US Department of Justice,8 July. (Q2036)Full Citation

35.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Licensing of Gun Owners and Purchasers in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q8045)Full Citation

36.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘W. Va. Code § 61-7A-2(2), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Prohibited Purchasers Generally in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7302)Full Citation

37.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘W. Va. Code §§ 61-7-2(9), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Minimum Age to Purchase and Possess in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7004)Full Citation

38.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘W. Va. Code § 61-7-7(a), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Domestic Violence and Firearms in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7058)Full Citation

39.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘W. Va. Code § 61-7-3, etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Concealed Weapons Permitting in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7644)Full Citation

40.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Registration of Firearms in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7535)Full Citation

41.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Retention of Sales and Background Check Records in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7109)Full Citation

42.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘W. Va. Code § 61-7-10(d), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Private Sales in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7444)Full Citation

43.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Dealer Regulations in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7629)Full Citation

44.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Background Checks in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q6905)Full Citation

45.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Multiple Purchases and Sales of Firearms in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7351)Full Citation

46.

USA.2016.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2015.’ ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2016.Washington DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),9 August. (Q13211)Full Citation

47.

USA.2016.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2014.’ ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2015.Washington DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),15 March. (Q13210)Full Citation

48.

USA.2014.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2013.’ ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2014.Washington DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),24 April. (Q13213)Full Citation

49.

USA.2013.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2012.’ ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2013.Washington DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),1 April. (Q13212)Full Citation

50.

USA.2012.‘Federal Firearms Licensees by State 2011.’ Firearms Commerce in the United States: Annual Statistical Update 2012.Washington, DC:US Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),1 January. (Q6787)Full Citation

51.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Waiting Periods in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7159)Full Citation

52.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Gun Shows in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,1 January. (Q7992)Full Citation

53.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Firearm and Ammunition Storage Regulations in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7486)Full Citation

54.

LCPGV.2012.‘Summary of State Laws Regulating Firearms Dealers - Security Measures.’ Firearms Law Database - Dealer Regulations Policy Summary.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,18 May. (Q7549)Full Citation

55.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘W. Va. Code § 20-2-5(9), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Guns in Vehicles in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,1 January. (Q8155)Full Citation

56.

USA.2012.‘Marking of All SALW at Time of Manufacture.’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,3 August. (Q6784)Full Citation

57.

USA.2008.‘Implementing of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,1 January. (Q1588)Full Citation

58.

USA.2008.‘Implementing of the International Tracing Instrument (ITI).’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,1 January. (Q1590)Full Citation

59.

USA.2007.‘Marking of All SALW at Time of Manufacture.’ National Report of the United States of America on its Implementation of the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects (UNPoA).New York, NY:Permanent Mission of the United States to the United Nations,17 July. (Q1593)Full Citation

60.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Microstamping and Ballistic Identification in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7693)Full Citation

61.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘Open Carrying in West Virginia.’ Firearms Law Database.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7952)Full Citation

62.

LCPGV.2012.‘Summary of State CCW Laws.’ Firearms Law Database - Concealed Weapons Permitting Policy Summary.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,21 May. (Q8684)Full Citation

63.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘W. Va. Code § 61-7-11a(g)(1), (h)(1), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Other Location Restrictions in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,1 January. (Q8312)Full Citation

64.

State of West Virginia.2012.‘W. Va. Code § 61-7-11a(b)(1), etc..’ Firearms Law Database - Guns in Schools in West Virginia.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,3 January. (Q7848)Full Citation

65.

LCPGV.2015.‘Why We Grade the States.’ 2015 Gun Law State Scorecard.San Francisco, CA:Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence,16 December. (Q11396)Full Citation

66.

Brady Campaign.2012.‘State Scorecard 2011.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,16 February. (Q6893)Full Citation

67.

Brady Campaign.2011.‘State Scorecard 2010.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,4 May. (Q7051)Full Citation

68.

Brady Campaign.2010.‘State Scorecard 2009.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,18 February. (Q7052)Full Citation

69.

Brady Campaign.2009.‘State Scorecard 2008.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,8 February. (Q7053)Full Citation

70.

Brady Campaign.2008.‘State Scorecard 2007.’ State Gun Laws: Find Out Where Your State Ranks in Strong Gun Laws and Learn About Those Laws.Washington, DC:Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence,31 January. (Q1372)Full Citation

71.

OSI.2000.‘A Comparative Survey of the State Firearm Laws - Chart 1.’ Gun Control in the United States.New York, NY:Open Society Institute,1 April. (Q8316)Full Citation