Community & Society

America's Murder Rate Just Hit a 125-Year Low

U.S. homicide rates fell 21% in 2025, reaching potentially the lowest level since 1900 — a dramatic reversal from the 2020 spike.

Rory Carlin

17 Feb 2026 — 1 min read

After the alarming spike in violence during 2020, the United States has experienced a remarkable reversal.

Data from the Council on Criminal Justice covering 35 cities showed a 21% decrease in homicide rates from 2024 to 2025, translating to 922 fewer killings. Thirty-one of the 35 cities surveyed saw declines, with Denver, Omaha, and Washington recording drops of 40% or more.

The overall homicide rate may now be the lowest on record — potentially dating back to 1900.

Key Facts

21% decline in homicide rate across 35 U.S. cities (Council on Criminal Justice)
922 fewer homicides in 2025
31 of 35 cities saw declines; 40%+ drops in Denver, Omaha, Washington
Potentially the lowest rate since 1900 (New York Times)

Why This Matters

The 2020 homicide surge sparked widespread anxiety about American public safety. The three-year decline — averaging 16% per year — challenges dominant narratives of American decline and violence. Whatever combination of factors is at work — community violence intervention programmes, economic recovery, policing reforms — is having outsized effect at a scale rarely seen in criminology.

What We Don't Know Yet

Thirty-five cities is not the entire US — rural and suburban trends may differ. Experts cannot conclusively explain the decline. Other violent crimes may not show the same trajectory. Political narratives on both sides are rushing to claim credit, and historical comparisons before 1960 rely on less standardised reporting.

Sources: Council on Criminal Justice · New York Times
Published 17 February 2026 · Category: Community & Society

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