In brief
According to a report from the Council on Criminal Justice, homicide rates in 35 U.S. cities decreased by 21% from 2024 to 2025, equivalent to about 922 fewer deaths. The report also highlighted reductions in various crime categories, though experts caution that the underlying reasons for these trends are complex and multifaceted. Notably, cities with no federal intervention saw similar decreases, suggesting broader social influences at play.
Data collected from 35 American cities indicate a remarkable 21% decrease in the homicide rate from 2024 to 2025, equating to around 922 fewer homicides last year. This information comes from a recent report by the Council on Criminal Justice, released Thursday.
The report not only focused on homicide rates but also tracked 13 different crime categories. It found a decrease in 11 categories, including carjackings, shoplifting, and aggravated assaults. However, there was a slight increase in drug-related offenses, while sexual assaults remained consistent between the years reviewed.
Experts have noted that other cities and states outside of the report's scope have also experienced similar declines in violent crime. While several officials from both political parties claim credit for this positive trend, it remains uncertain what specific factors contribute to these changes.
Adam Gelb, the president and CEO of the Council, expressed that while it is encouraging to see a significant drop in violence—especially after historic increases during the COVID-19 pandemic—there is a pressing need to understand the underlying causes. Some cities even recorded homicide rates at their lowest for decades.
It’s a dramatic drop to an absolutely astonishing level. While we celebrate it, we must also try to understand it, Gelb stated. He emphasized that crime rates are influenced by various factors, and no single explanation suffices.
The report highlighted a substantial reduction in other property crimes as well, including a 27% drop in vehicle thefts and a 10% decrease in shoplifting. The Council’s findings reflect a broader trend of improving crime rates, particularly in urban areas.
Specifically, the report indicated that 31 out of the 35 surveyed cities exhibited a decrease in homicide rates, with some cities—such as Denver and Omaha—experiencing declines of over 40%. Conversely, Little Rock, Arkansas, was the only city that experienced a significant increase in its homicide rate, rising by 16% from the previous year.
These findings have led criminologists to reevaluate traditional beliefs about the factors driving crime trends, underscoring the potential influence of widespread social, economic, and cultural forces beyond local initiatives.