Concealed Carry Rises, Crime Falls: Key Study Insights in News Updated: Larry Z

A new study by the Crime Prevention Research Center reveals critical insights into the state of concealed carry permits in the U.S., highlighting a mix of growth trends, changing demographics, and the broader implications of Constitutional Carry laws.

The total number of concealed carry permit holders has declined for the second consecutive year, reaching 21.46 million in 2024.

This marks a 1.8% drop since 2023, attributed primarily to the rise of Constitutional Carry laws in 29 states, where permits are no longer required for carrying a concealed firearm.

Despite the decline in permit numbers, the study emphasizes that more individuals are legally carrying firearms, especially in these states.

Key Findings

• Permit Trends: Indiana leads with 23.1% of adults holding permits, followed by Alabama at 20.5%. States like California and New York remain restrictive, with less than 1% of adults obtaining permits.
• Demographics: Women now comprise 29.1% of permit holders in states providing gender data, with minority groups seeing significant growth. In Texas, for instance, black females experienced an 8.4 times greater increase in permit acquisition than white males between 2002 and 2023.
• Law-Abiding Citizens: Permit holders maintain an exceptional record of lawfulness. In Texas and Florida, they are convicted of firearms-related violations at a rate twelve times lower than police officers.
• Economic Impact: High fees and rigorous training requirements in restrictive states, such as California, limit access to concealed carry permits for lower-income individuals. By contrast, states like Pennsylvania have minimal fees, fostering broader access.

Constitutional Carry and Reciprocity

The expansion of Constitutional Carry laws underscores the increasing flexibility for gun owners. Many still obtain permits to benefit from reciprocity agreements when traveling across state lines.

However, the study notes that these permits may no longer fully reflect the number of individuals carrying concealed firearms, as permits decline in states adopting permitless carry.

Crime and Safety Implications

The study also highlights a striking trend: as concealed carry permits have grown exponentially since 1999, violent crime rates have seen a linear decline.

While causation is not explicitly claimed, the data refute any direct correlation between an increase in gun ownership and higher crime rates.

Challenges in Restrictive States

The report criticizes states with high permit costs and extensive training requirements, arguing these barriers disproportionately affect minority groups and lower-income individuals.

In some cases, even those with credible death threats have struggled to obtain permits due to these hurdles.

Looking Ahead

The research highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access to concealed carry rights. Simply put, society benefits when law-abiding citizens can fully exercise their right to keep and bear arms.

Looking ahead, lawmakers at every level should focus on eliminating unnecessary and unconstitutional barriers to protect and uphold 2A rights.