Archive · 28 Jan 2026
U.S. Homicide Rates Drop 20% in 2025
The U.S. saw a big drop in homicides in 2025, with 21% fewer murders compared to 2024.
This is the largest single-year drop ever recorded, and the lowest homicide rate in over 125 years.
Both Democrats and Republicans are claiming credit, but experts say it's too early to know why.
Other crimes like carjackings, burglaries, larcenies, and shoplifting also went down.
Some think it's part of a long-term trend, while others believe economic and social factors played a role.
The drop started before President Trump's National Guard deployments, and many cities without the National Guard also saw crime go down.
A separate study suggests that countries with stronger market economies might have lower homicide rates.
The U.S. homicide rate dropped by 21% from 2024 to 2025, the largest single-year drop on record.
This drop could result in the lowest homicide rate since 1900, with about 4.0 homicides per 100,000 residents.
Both Democrats and Republicans are claiming credit for the drop, but experts say the reasons are complex and not fully understood.
Other crimes, including carjackings, burglaries, larcenies, and shoplifting, also saw significant declines.
The drop in homicides may be part of a longer-term downward trend, punctuated by periods of elevated crime.
- Who
- U.S. cities and residents
- What
- A significant drop in homicide rates and other crimes
- When
- From 2024 to 2025
- Where
- In 40 of the largest American cities
- Why
- The reasons are not fully understood, but economic and social factors are likely contributors
- Homicide Rate Drop
- 21%
- Fewer Homicides
- 922
- Lowest Rate Since
- 1900
- Carjackings Drop
- 27%
- Burglaries Drop
- 18%
- Larcenies Drop
- 11%
- Shoplifting Drop
- 10%