New Analysis Finds Gun Violence Takes a $891 Million Toll on Oregon’s Economy
May 21, 2018—Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence unveiled a new analysis that details the damage gun violence exacts on Oregon’s economy. Giffords Law Center’s researchfinds that the directlymeasurable economic cost of gun violence in Oregon exceeds $891 million per year, with a direct annual cost to Oregon taxpayers of approximately $133 million. The new report, “ The Economic Cost of Gun Violence in Oregon, ” highlights the need for lawmakers in the state legislature to build on the important, lifesaving victories that have been enacted in recent years.
“Gun violence devastates families and leaves whole communities suffering,” said Mike McLively, Giffords Law Center’s urban gun violence initiative director. “Our research makes it clear that the entire state is impacted when victims and their families are hurt by gunfire. Healthcare providers, employers, law enforcement, and local businesses are burdened with enormous costs following a shooting. Oregon has made strides in reducing gun violence, but the state can do more to save lives by supporting legislation that makes it harder for dangerous individuals to get their hands on a gun.”
Read the “Economic Cost of Gun Violence in Oregon.”
The report, released today from Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, notes that local businesses are severely impacted when gun violence occurs because it keeps customers and tourists away and often limits hours of operation. On average, there are 911 shootings in Oregon each year, resulting in directly measurable cost of over $891 million. That includes:
- Healthcare costs: $36 million
- Law enforcement and criminal justice expenses: $30 million
- Costs to employers: $5 million
- Lost income: $820 billion
Much of this tab is picked up by the public. Up to 85% of gunshot victims, for example, are either uninsured or on some form of publicly funded insurance. Additionally, law enforcement efforts are funded entirely by taxpayer dollars. As a result, the direct annual cost of gun violence to Oregon taxpayers is approximately $133 million.
Even more striking, when indirect costs that impact families and communities, such as pain and suffering, are factored in, the overall estimate the economic cost of gun violence rises to $2.6 billion per year.
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