The number of American citizens obtaining concealed carry permits across the United States has slightly decreased this year but there has been an overall increase in the number of people carrying concealed firearms.

This increase has been largely associated with more than half of the U.S. states enacting laws that no longer require residents to obtain a permit.

The Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC) obtained the study which found a 0.5% decrease in concealed carry permits across the U.S. this year. Lott, along with College of William & Mary economics professor Carlisle E. Moody and CPRC research associate Rujun Wang, relied on concealed carry permit data rather than gun ownership surveys, which can often be unreliable.

As of September, 27 states in the U.S. have constitutional carry laws, accounting for 65% of the land and 44% of the population. This year, Alabama, Florida, and Nebraska became the newest states to enact this law. However, this does not mean that residents of these states are unable to obtain permits – many still choose to do so to carry in other states with reciprocity agreements.

Despite the decrease in permits, there are still over 21 million active concealed carry permits in the U.S., with Florida leading the way with 2.56 million permits issued. Interestingly, Alabama has the highest percentage of residents with CCWs at 27.75% of the adult population.

One of the most significant aspects highlighted in the study is the increase in gun ownership among women and minorities.

Lott’s research shows that in the last decade, the growth rate for permits has been 111% faster for women than men. In addition, data from three states with detailed race and gender information show a higher increase in permits for minorities compared to whites. This challenges the narrative pushed by many in the media that gun ownership is solely a “White male” issue.

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The study also highlights the extremely low rate of firearm-related violations among concealed carry permit holders, with Lott stating that they are convicted at a rate 1/12 that of police officers and 1/20 that of the general population.

Lott believes that this increase in gun ownership and concealed carry permits could lead to a decrease in crime as it becomes riskier for criminals to victimize law-abiding citizens who are now armed and able to defend themselves.