A Sobering Look at Firearm Homicides in the U.S.

In the U.S. we know that gun violence is a huge problem in the United States. As gun laws become a hot button issue and gun crimes increase, this topic becomes a firmer part of public consciousness. The team at Joslyn Law Firm shed light on this issue with an infographic comparing the cities with the highest numbers of firearm homicides compared to 2018 and 2022.

How Have the Top Counties For Firearm Homicides in the United States Changed Over the Past 5 Years?

Orleans Parish, Louisiana, home to New Orleans, is the most dangerous U.S. County. In 2022, it had 200 firearm homicides, or 54.09 per 100,000 people, nearly doubling since 2018’s 106 deaths. Orleans Parish is the home of New Orleans, a city that has rich history and culture, but unfortunately high crime rates.

St. Louis County, Missouri ranks second. In 2022, it saw 152 firearm homicides, or 53.04 per 100,000 people, up from 122 in 2018.

While most high-risk counties for gun-related murders remained consistent from 2018 to 2022, new entries emerged. Notable additions include:

  • Portsmouth, Virginia: 97,029 population, 37 gun homicides in 2022 (38.13 per 100,000)
  • Orangeburg County, South Carolina: 83,094 population, 27 firearm homicides in 2022 (32.49 per 100,000)

Overall, this chart shows us that unfortunately gun homicides have not decreased despite their heinous violence. There are many discussions about what can be done to lower rates of gun homicide which include suggestions like laws to limit gun purchases, laws that allow firearms seizure, more secure gun storage, and more regulation of gun carrying laws.

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