Lowest gun death rates:
1. Hawaii — 2.58 per 100,000
2. Massachusetts — 3.28
3. Rhode Island — 4.43
4. Connecticut — 4.95
5. New York — 5.20
Highest gun death rates:
1. Louisiana — 19.58
2. Alabama — 16.99
3. Alaska — 16.38
4. Mississippi — 16.38
5. Nevada — 16.25
BOSTON. Massachusetts has the second-fewest gun deaths per capita in the nation, trailing only Hawaii in a new analysis by the Violence Policy Center.
Using recently released 2006 numbers, the study showed that only the Aloha State had a lower gun death rate than the commonwealth, which finished just ahead of Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York, states also known for having strong gun laws.
Predictably, states with weaker gun laws and higher rates of gun ownership – many in the South – led the way in gun deaths. Essentially, there was little surprise.
“More guns means more gun death and injury. Fewer guns means less gun death and injury,” VPC Legislative Director Kristen Rand said. “It’s a simple equation.”
