Archive · 17 Jun 2025
U.S. Murder Rates Plunging, Despite Perceptions
Murder rates are going down in big cities.
Some people think this is because police are focusing on the worst criminals again and because of more investment in local communities.
However, many people don't realize things are getting better.
Some news outlets may make crime seem worse than it is.
People's ideas about crime may be more influenced by what they see on TV or online than by the actual chances of being a victim of violence.
U.S. murder rates are declining significantly in 2024 across major cities.
Some attribute the drop to increased law enforcement and a shift in political focus.
Others suggest that public investment in jobs, infrastructure, and social services is the key factor.
Despite the improvement, many Americans still perceive crime as worsening.
Differing narratives, potentially influenced by media, impact public perception of crime rates.
- Who
- Murder rates are dropping in many U.S. cities.
- What
- Murder rates are significantly decreasing across the United States.
- When
- Homicides are down in 2024, continuing a decline that began in 2023.
- Where
- Major U.S. cities including Denver, St. Louis, Baltimore, and New Orleans.
- Why
- The reasons are debated but could be linked to increased law enforcement, investment in jobs and social services, and changing political approaches to public safety.
Views on the Cause of Murder Rate Decline
Multiple Contributing Factors
Main Reasons for Decline
Views on the Cause of Murder Rate Decline
Increased police activity and resource allocation.
Multiple Contributing Factors
Increased public and private investment in communities and social services.
Political Perspective on the Decline
Views on the Cause of Murder Rate Decline
Claim of being responsible for decrease
Multiple Contributing Factors
The decline started during the previous administration.
- Homicide Drop in 2024
- 20% in big cities
- Denver Homicide Drop
- 55%
- St. Louis & Baltimore Drop
- 24%
- New Orleans Drop
- 25%
- 2020 Murder Spike
- 30% increase in cities
- 2023 Murder Rate Drop
- 13%
- Voter Perception
- 64% of voters think crime is getting worse