The state of Texas has a high rate of gun ownership and is considered to be one of the most pro-gun states in the country. In accordance with this, it comes as no surprise that the number of individuals in Texas who hold a concealed carry license (also known as a “license to carry” or LTC) is also significant. However, determining an exact percentage of the population in Texas with a concealed carry license is challenging due to a lack of available data.
As of 2021, Texas has issued over 2 million licenses to carry, which is a substantial number given the state’s population of around 29 million people. However, this number only represents those who have applied for and received a license and does not account for those who may choose to carry without a license or those who own firearms but do not carry them concealed. Thus, the total number of people owning guns in Texas is considerably high when the numbers of those that have licenses and those that don’t have are taken into account.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for issuing licenses to carry and collecting data on the number of licenses issued. According to their records, the number of licenses issued has increased steadily over the years, with the largest increase happening after the passage of a law in 2015 that made it easier for individuals to obtain a license.
Despite the increasing number of licenses issued, determining the percentage of the population in Texas with a concealed carry license is difficult. The reason for this is that there is no comprehensive database or survey that tracks gun ownership or concealed carry license holders in Texas. Additionally, the number of licenses issued does not accurately reflect the number of individuals who choose to carry without a license; thus, making it impossible to have accurate gun statistics in Texas.
It is estimated that the number of individuals who choose to carry without a license is much higher than the number of individuals with a license. This is because the process of obtaining a license involves paying a fee, undergoing background checks, and completing a training course, which not everyone is willing or able to do. It is also worth noting that Texas is a “constitutional carry” state, which means that individuals have the right to carry firearms without a license as long as they are not prohibited from owning firearms.
It is impossible to determine the exact percentage of the population in Texas with a concealed carry license without a comprehensive database or survey.
However, based on the number of licenses issued and the estimated number of individuals who choose to carry without a license, it is safe to say that a significant portion of the population in Texas either holds a concealed carry license or chooses to carry without one; this is because of the flexible gun rules in Texas.
When you’re ready to get your Texas License to Carry (LTC), make sure you choose a premier training provider. Conceal Carry Academy is committed to offering the best firearms training possible. When they need information on firearms safety or they want to take a Texas LTC class, gun owners trust the expertise of the pros from Conceal Carry Academy. If you have questions about any aspect of gun ownership in Texas, contact us today!
