Firearm exposure and threats among young adults in Texas: Identifying high-risk groups for prevention

Objective: Firearm injury is a leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults, yet little is known about firearm access and victimization during this transition. We examine firearm exposure among young adults, as well as disparities across educational pathways, financial strain, and conflict. Methods: Data were drawn from Wave 7 (2025) of an ongoing longitudinal cohort study (n = 2012; mean age = 20) conducted in southeast Texas. Participants reported firearm access, household gun presence, firearm threat victimization/perpetration, fighting, educational status, and financial stability. Chi-square tests assessed group differences. Results: 18% reported firearm access, 24% household gun presence, and 7% firearm threat victimization. Threat victimization was more common among males, non-college and trade-school youth, those experiencing financial hardship, and those involved in physical fighting. Conclusions: Young adulthood is a period of elevated firearm vulnerability. Prevention efforts must extend beyond college settings to reach non-college youth and integrate firearm-specific content into existing violence-prevention programs.