Key PointsQuestionDid the likelihood of being shot, seeing someone shot, or living near firearm violence vary by race, sex, and birth cohort over the life course during the past 3 decades?FindingsThis cohort study found that the likelihood of exposure to all forms of firearm violence varied significantly and persistently over the life course by race. Sex differences were greatest for being shot compared to witnessing or proximity to firearm violence, and cohort differences were most pronounced for witnessing violence.MeaningThese finding suggest that understanding who gets exposed to firearm violence and when requires simultaneous attention to inequality by race, sex, and cohort.