Chicago Homicide Data Updates 2026

Chicago has recorded 99 homicides through April 2, 2026, according to data tracked by the Chicago Tribune. This figure represents an increase of two deaths compared to the same period in 2025.

The city has seen a trend of decreasing homicides since 2022, following a spike during the pandemic. According to the Chicago Tribune, 2024 was the third consecutive year of decreasing homicides and 2025 was the fourth.

March Violence Trends

Data from the Chicago Police Department indicates that gun violence increased during March 2026. Forty-one people were killed during that month, which is a 17% increase from the 35 homicides recorded in March of the previous year.

The increase in both homicides and shootings throughout March suggests that gun violence is creeping ahead of the historically low rates seen in 2025.

Community Impact and Demographics

The distribution of homicides varies by community area. According to the Chicago Tribune, Austin has recorded the most homicides so far in 2026, with seven incidents. Other data from CrimeAtlas, updated April 6, 2026, lists Austin as having eight incidents, followed by West Garfield Park with six, and Auburn Gresham, South Shore, and Roseland each with five incidents.

Additional high-volume community areas for 2026 include Englewood, Woodlawn, and North Lawndale, each recording four incidents.

The Chicago Tribune reports that homicide victims in 2026 are often young, Black, and male, with most deaths resulting from gunshot wounds.

Data Collection and Reporting

The city of Chicago releases homicide information daily, though the names of victims are delayed by two weeks to allow police to notify families.

Certain killings are excluded from these official statistics, including those occurring in self-defense or other circumstances not measured by Chicago police. Homicide data from the Illinois State Police, which patrols city expressways, is not included in these figures.