Santa Barbara County Among California’s Lowest in Firearm Death Rates, Data Shows

Santa Barbara County has one of the lowest firearm death rates in California, according to recently released data.

The latest finalized mortality data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that Santa Barbara County continues to rank among the counties with the lowest firearm death rates, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the CDC’s mortality data for 2023, comparing California counties, Santa Barbara County recorded:

• The 12th-lowest total firearm death rate
• The 19th-lowest firearm homicide death rate
• The 13th-lowest firearm suicide rate

The total firearm death rate throughout California from 2020 to 2023 per 100,000 residents was 8.53, while Santa Barbara’s death rate was 6.8. In stark contrast, the national total firearm death rate was 14.06, according to the sheriff’s office.

Santa Barbara County Among Lowest Firearm Death Rates in California. Follow this link to read more: https://t.co/oG9h1L593a

— SB Sheriff’s Office (@sbsheriff) May 13, 2026

The firearm homicide rate in the same period in California was 4.34, while in Santa Barbara County it totaled 2.5. The firearm homicide rate in the U.S. totaled 6.16.

In 2023, the total firearm death rate per 100,000 residents across California totaled 8, while it was 7 in Santa Barbara County. Across the U.S., the death rate stood at 13.73.

The rates of firearm homicide in California and Santa Barbara were 3.7 and 2.7, respectively, in 2023. Meanwhile, the nationwide firearm homicide rate was 5.63.

Preliminary data for 2024 posted an additional improvement, with the county’s total firearm death rate lowering to 5.17 per 100,000 residents, according to the sheriff’s office. The 2024 firearm death rate was the fifth lowest in the state.

In every category, Santa Barbara County’s rates remained below both the California county average and national averages, the sheriff’s office said.

The data was compiled using CDC WONDER mortality records and analysis from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

While the lives lost due to the use of firearms are tragic, these statistics reflect the continuing initiatives of the county’s deputies, law enforcement partners, mental health professionals, educators, and community organisations partnering to enhance public safety, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown said.

“Our focus remains on prevention, responsible firearm ownership (including safe storage), intervention efforts, and continued collaboration to address violence and support people in crisis before tragedies occur,” Brown added.

Gun Safety in California

California continues to be one of the safest states in the nation and has some of the lowest firearm mortality rates in the U.S., according to the sheriff’s office.

In 2024, the state recorded 2,853 to 2,900 gun-related deaths, which is equivalent to roughly seven deaths per 100,000 residents.

Firearm violence in California declined by 9% from 2015 to 2024, even while the national firearm violence rate jumped by 15% during the same period, according to analysts.

California’s firearm death, firearm suicide, and firearm homicide rates were the lowest on record since 1968, California Attorney General Rob Bonta said earlier this year.

Bonta attributed the state’s success in controlling gun violence to “common sense policies, initiatives, and programs.”