U.S. Homicide Rate Sinks to 125-Year Low Amid Record 2025 Drop
A Council on Criminal Justice analysis of 2025 crime data projects the national homicide rate to reach its lowest level in about 125 years, marking the largest single-year drop on record. All seven categories of violent crime fell below prepandemic levels in 2025, with homicides down about 25%, shootings down 13%, and carjackings down 29% from 2019 levels; drug crimes were the only category to rise from 2024 to 2025, though still below 2019. Data from 40 cities show most major cities experiencing declines, while Milwaukee and Little Rock bucked the trend with homicide increases.
