The number of gun owners has increased from two years ago, according to a recent poll.
The Pew Research Center found 32% of those surveyed own a gun, while 10% do not personally own one but live in a home that does. This is a jump of 2% from its poll in 2021.
JOBLESS CLAIMS NUMBERS ARE SENDING A SURPRISING MESSAGE ABOUT THE ECONOMY
Meanwhile, 47% reported that they do not own guns but could see themselves owning them in the future. This is about the same as it was in a 2017 survey, proving consistency over time despite the increase in gun owners. A remaining 52% of those who do not own guns reported they would not own a gun if given the choice.
When it came to the reason behind owning a gun, 72% of gun owners reported that protection was a major reason. Hunting and sport were the major reason for roughly 30% of respondents, 15% claimed their collections were the major reason, and 7% claimed it was necessary to their job.
Gun ownership is still far more common in rural areas, with 47% of gun owners residing there. Suburban areas account for 30% of gun owners, with 20% living in urban areas. Republicans are also more likely to own guns because 45% of gun owners claimed GOP membership, while only 20% were Democratic members.
As a result of carrying, 81% of gun owners say it makes them feel safer. The majority of those who don't own guns but live in a gun household reported they felt safer, too. However, only 31% of people who didn't own guns reported that they enjoyed having a gun in the house, while 71% of gun owners reported they enjoyed it as well.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
There are 23 states, including the District of Columbia, that allow 18-year-olds to purchase firearms in the form of long guns. Colorado now joins California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont in raising the age limit to 21.
Pew Research Center surveyed 5,115 respondents and claimed a margin of error of plus or minus 1.7%.