This Major U.S. Stat is Down Nearly 20% in 2025

Historic Decline in U.S. Murder Rates Marks Major Public Safety Shift in 2025

Data show killings down nearly 20% nationwide as major cities report sharp reductions in violence

Published January 7, 2026

The United States is on track to record an unprecedented decline in murder rates for 2025, with data suggesting killings may be down by nearly 20 percent compared with the same period in 2024.

According to the Real-Time Crime Index, homicides dropped from 7,369 in 2024 to 5,912 through October 2025, marking what analysts believe could be the largest single-year decrease in U.S. history. (RELATED: Robots Are Filling Prescriptions for Richmond Pharmacies as Virginia Approves New Rules)

Crime expert Jeff Asher, co-founder of AH Datalytics, said the trend is a “remarkable drop,” driven by widespread declines across major city centers. Cities that previously struggled with violent crime saw notable improvements: New York City and Memphis reported nearly 20 percent fewer murders, while Chicago and Washington, D.C., each recorded declines of nearly 28 percent. Mass killings fell to their lowest levels since 2006.

Murders are down 20% this year. A historic, record decrease. It’s wild more people aren’t talking about this.
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) December 30, 2025

FBI data released earlier in 2025 showed that “violent” and “property” crimes both hit multi-year lows in 2024, with homicide and non-negligent manslaughter rates falling nearly 15 percent the previous year. However, Murder rates remain substantially higher than in many other high-income countries, even after this recent drop. Rates still remain particularly in the city centers, all with heavy democratic leadership.

Efforts to reduce violence have varied widely. Expanded community-based intervention programs, improved policing strategies, and increased investment in crime analysis technology and police have been labeled as contributing factors to the decline. (RELATED: Economic Indicators Point to Strength as U.S. Enters Its 250th Year)

In Prince George’s County, Maryland, homicide dropped more than 30 percent in 2025 amid new outreach and mental health crisis response initiatives. President Trump has also seen success in the deployment of the National Guard across major cities and into D.C. Following recent news of the Federal Appeals Court ruling in favor of the Trump administration keeping National Guardsmen.