Minnesota Among Top 10 U.S. States Most Prepared to Defend Themselves Against Holiday Burglars

A new study finds that Minnesota reports the fifth highest firearm permit rate in the nation between 2021 and 2025.

The research by Florida-based personal injury lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed five years of firearm permit background check data from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) across all 50 U.S. states. The study calculated “Average Firearm Permits per 1,000 Residents” by dividing each state’s five-year average number of firearm permits (2021–2025) by its average population over the same period, revealing which states have the highest rates of firearm readiness for self-defense.

Minnesota ranks as the fifth most prepared state this holiday season with an average of 33 firearm permits per 1,000 residents, which is 94% higher than the national average of 17 permits per 1,000 residents. Between 2021 and 2025, the North Star State reported an annual average of 192,260 firearm permits annually among its average population of 5,749,911. The most permits were issued in 2024 (283,854), while the fewest reported in 2025 (125,878).

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Anidjar & Levine commented:

“Every year, holiday burglaries spike as families travel, shop, and leave their homes vulnerable. But what this study shows is that residents across America are increasingly taking their safety into their own hands.

“Minnesota ranks fifth with firearm permit activity reflecting a growing emphasis on personal protection and self-defense readiness. With the holiday season being one of the peak periods for break-ins, this shift highlights how Americans are preparing for the unexpected.”