US Violent Crime Drops: Homicides, Robberies Fall in 2025

Major U.S. Cities experienced a significant decline in violent crime last year, according to a statistical analysis published by the Major Cities Chiefs Association. The report reflects a broader downward trend in recent years, following a surge in violent crime during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to year-end statistics collected by the FBI through 2024.

The most recent survey from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, comprised of statistics gathered from 67 of the 68 responding law enforcement agencies and released in early February, shows that homicides decreased by just over 19% last year. The report also indicated that robberies fell by nearly 20%, rapes by almost 9%, and aggravated assaults by nearly 10% in 2025 compared to 2024, according to the statistics.

This report is the latest statistical analysis demonstrating a decrease in violent crime in 2025 and builds upon a report from the Council on Criminal Justice published in January, which also showed sharp declines in homicides and other offenses. The Council on Criminal Justice analysis of crime statistics from 40 major cities found that homicides decreased by 21% last year compared to 2024 – the largest annual drop on record. They project that when the FBI releases its year-end statistics, the national homicide rate will likely be the lowest since 1900.

The decline in homicides was particularly dramatic in several cities. Chicago saw a drop from 587 homicides in 2024 to 417 last year, according to the data. Columbus, Ohio, experienced substantial decreases across all categories, including a decline in rapes from 1,116 in 2024 to 678 last year. Houston recorded a decrease in aggravated assaults, falling from 18,590 in 2024 to 15,378 last year, the report states. Robberies also decreased in Los Angeles, from 8,593 in 2024 to 7,278 last year, according to records.

While pinpointing a single reason for the nationwide decrease in murders and other violent crimes in 2025 is nearly impossible, analysts point to a combination of renewed focused policing tactics, advancements in technology and preventative measures, and the resolution of backlogs in the judicial system caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall drop in crime rates across the U.S. Mirrors a broader trend, with experts noting that crime levels appear to be returning to pre-pandemic norms.

The positive trend isn’t universal. Despite the overall downward trend in homicides and other violent crimes, not all cities experienced a decrease, according to statistics from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, which represents police executives from the largest cities in the U.S. And Canada.

Boston recorded more homicides last year – 31 compared to 24 in 2024. El Paso, Texas, also showed an increase to 30 homicides last year, up from 24 the previous year. Fort Worth, Texas, increased from 75 homicides in 2024 to 81 last year. Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, also experienced an increase, from 11 homicides in 2024 to 26 last year, according to the data.

The decline in violent crime comes as the U.S. Is poised to end 2025 with the largest one-year drop in homicides ever recorded, with some experts suggesting violent crime is now down to pre-pandemic levels. Jeff Asher, a national crime analyst and co-founder of AH Datalytics, told ABC News that even a conservative estimate suggests a drop of at least 16% or 17%, still representing the largest one-year decrease ever recorded. This follows a 15% decline in 2024, a 13% fall in 2023, and a 6% decrease in 2022, according to the FBI.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) highlighted the Council on Criminal Justice report in July 2025, noting a decrease in certain violent crimes in multiple U.S. Cities. This suggests a coordinated effort to address crime at both the local and federal levels. The recent legislative discussions surrounding criminal justice reform, as highlighted by the Council on Criminal Justice, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the Future Caucus, indicate a growing focus on evidence-based policies and bipartisan support for criminal justice initiatives.

The significant drop in homicides and violent crime across many U.S. Cities in 2025 represents a notable shift in the national crime landscape. While the reasons for this decline are multifaceted, the combination of focused policing, technological advancements, and the easing of pandemic-related pressures appears to be playing a significant role. However, the increases observed in certain cities serve as a reminder that the fight against crime remains a localized challenge, requiring tailored strategies and continued vigilance.