A new national survey shows Americans remain deeply concerned about rising crime in the country’s cities and overwhelmingly back the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves, including allowing concealed-carry permit holders to carry across state lines.
The poll, conducted Oct. 7-9 by Quantus Insights and sponsored by Sugarcane Strategies, surveyed 1,000 registered voters and found broad support for national concealed-carry reciprocity and continued frustration with violent crime and the criminal-justice system.
Despite political divisions in Washington, the public appears united on the issue of self-defense, according to the findings from Quantus, which was ranked among the top pollsters in the 2024 election cycle.
Seventy-seven percent say law-abiding citizens should have the right to protect themselves with firearms rather than wait for police, and eighty-eight percent believe criminals do not follow existing gun laws, a major driver of skepticism toward additional restrictions.
The survey also shows a sharp divide between how Americans feel locally versus nationally. Nearly 88% say they feel safe in their own communities. Suburban voters report the highest level of being “very safe” at 40.3%, followed by rural voters at 38.7% and urban voters at 31%. But when asked about the direction of public safety nationwide, 52% say America’s cities have become less safe in recent years. Only 19% say they have become safer.
Women report lower levels of feeling “very safe” than men, at 35.2% compared with 39.6%. Rural voters feel the most secure at home but are the most convinced the country as a whole is becoming more dangerous.
NEW QUANTUS INSIGHTS POLL: National 1000 RV Survey: Dec 3, 2025 | Sponsor: Sugarcane Strategies
Quantus Insights latest national survey shows voters feel safe at home, fear rising crime, and back concealed-carry reciprocity by wide margins.
📊 Public Safety
🟢 Feel safe in… pic.twitter.com/aC7zPWvkqc— Quantus Insights (@QuantusInsights) December 3, 2025
Support for national concealed-carry reciprocity is strong. Sixty-four percent back a federal law recognizing permits across state lines, similar to driver’s licenses. Support rises to 67% when the concept is framed as “People should never be defenseless.” Rural support is highest at 74.7%, followed by urban voters at 62.8% and suburban voters at 59.4%. Men support reciprocity at 66.7%, while women support it at 60%. Among women, the most effective message was “Our Second Amendment rights shouldn’t disappear when we cross state lines,” with more than 60% agreeing.
Voters see criminals, not legal gun owners, as the main threat. Sixty percent say the biggest risk comes from criminals with illegal guns. Only 4% say they are more concerned about law-abiding citizens who carry legally.
The issue, which has fallen into the background in recent years for both parties, still appears to have the potential to influence elections. Thirty-nine percent say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports national reciprocity, while 21% say it would make them less likely.
The poll also found majority support for sending the National Guard into violent crime hotspots. Men back the move at 55.6%, women at 53.8%. Urban voters support it at 56.2%, suburban voters at 52.1% and rural voters at 59.7%.
A 57% majority believes that legally armed civilians make communities safer, 17% percent say they make communities less safe, and 21% say it makes no difference.
Awareness of the current patchwork of gun laws is also high. Seventy-one percent of voters know concealed-carry permits are not valid across state lines.
The findings reflect a public that feels secure in daily life but believes national institutions are weaker and crime in major cities is worsening. The survey suggests American voters want practical measures to address public safety and do not want responsible citizens left defenseless.
