Vermont Gun Violence Statistics & Prevention
How can we measure the impact of gun violence in Vermont, and what can employers and facility managers realistically do to keep their people safe?
Gun violence remains a pressing concern in Vermont, though the state experiences lower rates than the national average. For employers and facility managers across Vermont, understanding local risks and implementing proactive safety measures is essential to protecting employees, students, and visitors.
At Omnilert, we specialize in AI security software and emergency notification systems, working with Vermont organizations to address worst-case security scenarios – especially active shooter events. We provide objective information about gun violence risks in Vermont and offer insight on how modern AI security technology can overcome the limitations of traditional security systems, helping keep people safer in workplaces, schools, and public facilities throughout the state.
Where Does Vermont Rank in Gun Violence?
The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics conducts an annual survey of firearm mortality by state. So where does Vermont rank for gun violence amongst all fifty states?
Gun Related Deaths: #48
83 fatalities in 2023, ranking them number 48 of 50.
Population-Based Death Rate: #39
12.0 gun-related deaths per 100,000 people.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Cities in Vermont
- St. Albans
- Brattleboro
- Barre
- St. Johnsbury
- Rutland
Top 5 Safest Cities in Vermont
- Castleton
- Stowe
- Northfield
- Swanton
- Shelburne
Vermont’s Approach to Limiting Gun Violence
Vermont historically had minimal gun regulations but shifted its approach significantly starting in 2018, primarily in response to rising suicide rates. Since 86% of Vermont’s gun deaths are suicides, the state enacted a comprehensive suicide prevention package in 2023. Vermont now ranks #17 nationally for gun law strength, focusing on prevention through evidence-based policies rather than broad restrictions.
- Universal background checks – Required for all gun sales and private transfers since 2018
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders – Allow law enforcement and family members to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals in crisis
- Secure storage requirements – Firearms must be stored locked and unloaded, with violations resulting in fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment up to 5 years if misused by a child or prohibited person
- 72-hour waiting period – Mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases to reduce impulsive acts
- High-capacity magazine ban – Prohibits sale of handgun magazines over 15 rounds and rifle magazines over 10 rounds
Vermont’s gun death rate increased 17% from 2014 to 2023, which is lower than the 33% national increase over the same period, suggesting the state’s strengthened laws may have helped moderate the rise in gun violence. Vermont now ranks 11th nationally for the lowest gun death rate, with an average of 79 gun deaths per year, though advocates note there is still significant work to be done to further reduce firearm-related deaths, particularly suicides which account for the vast majority of gun deaths in the state.
Why Vermont Needs Help Why Vermont Facilities Need Better Security Solutions to Prevent Gun Violence
Most security systems today operate with inherent limitations that make them less practical for preventing a determined active shooter. On that front, these systems are better at documenting incidents than they are at actually preventing violence.
Limitations of traditional security systems for shooter prevention:
- Surveillance cameras only help with investigations after incidents occur
- Gunshot detection waits until someone’s already shooting
- Manual monitoring fails because humans can’t watch dozens of feeds effectively
- Emergency response protocols depend on someone being available to activate them
In other words, by the time traditional systems kick in, it’s often too late.
How Omnilert Can Help Using Military-Grade AI Technology to Detect Firearms Before Shots are Fired
When seconds matter most, AI visual gun detection can identify firearms before shots are fired. Military-grade technology like Omnilert’s can integrate with your existing cameras to protect your facility and enact an automated emergency response if a threat is detected.
By themselves, security cameras can’t prevent what they can’t predict. Omnilert brings gun detection technology to facilities across the United States to transform your existing surveillance into an active threat prevention system. Instead of documenting incidents after they happen, AI-powered visual detection spots firearms the moment they appear and triggers immediate response protocols.
Benefits of Omnilert Engaging a Full-Scale Emergency Response to Active Shooters
If an active threat is confirmed at your Vermont facility, there’s no time to waste. The situation calls for an immediate and complete emergency response. Facilities that use Omnilert initiate an automated response across multiple technologies to help protect as many lives as possible.
Instant Notifications
Multi-channel emergency notifications instantly alert staff, security, and law enforcement.
Automated Response
Automated response workflows that trigger lockdown procedures, activate alarms, and more.
Mobile Alerts
Mobile applications that keep staff informed and connected during emergencies.
Alarm Activation
Use audio and video systems to sound alarms and deliver clear safety instructions.
Access Control
Lock or unlock doors to contain threats, secure exits, and protect vulnerable areas.
Custom Response
Engage a fully-custom response using your existing security technology.
Law Enforcement
Notify local police of an active threat or verified security incident.
Liability Protection
Omnilert’s DHS SAFETY Act designation offers liability protection.
Protecting Spaces Everywhere What Types of Vermont Industries Are Vulnerable to Gun Violence?
We provide our security platform to all kinds of industries in Vermont. Each environment has its own security challenges, but the core need remains the same: early threat detection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Common Questions About Vermont Gun Violence Statistics
How many people die from gun violence in Vermont each year?
An average of 74 Vermonters die by firearm each year, according to the Vermont Department of Health. Vermont ranks 11th nationally for the lowest gun death rate.
What percentage of Vermont’s gun deaths are suicides?
82% of firearm-related deaths in Vermont are suicides, primarily among males. Male suicides make up 73% of firearm deaths in Vermont.
How does Vermont compare to other New England states?
Vermont has the highest rate of gun deaths in New England, which is 3.2 times higher than Massachusetts.
What are the racial disparities in Vermont gun violence?
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Vermonters are three times more likely to die by firearm homicide than white, non-Hispanic Vermonters (4.1 vs 1.3 firearm homicide deaths per 100,000).
How many non-fatal gun injuries occur in Vermont annually?
An average of 39 Vermonters visit emergency departments or are hospitalized for firearm-related injuries each year, with most non-fatal injuries being unintentional.
Sources (as of December 23, 2025)
- https://everytownresearch.org/report/city-data/
- https://www.areavibes.com/vt/most-dangerous-cities/
- https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-vermont/
- https://crimegrade.org/safest-places-in-vermont/
- https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/vt/crime
- https://www.areavibes.com/vt/most-dangerous-cities/
- https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-gun-violence-solutions
- https://www.healthvermont.gov/
- https://www.roadsnacks.net/most-dangerous-cities-in-vermont/
- https://www.healthvermont.gov/stats/vital-records/annual-vital-statistics-reports
- https://burglary.com/resources/safest_and_most_dangerous_cities_Vermont
