Crime Down Across The U.S. — We Look At Why
The rate of homicides has plummeted across the nation, and 2025 is on track to reach its lowest level in decades. Homicides are down nearly 20% this year in 52 major U.S. cities. That drop is one of the sharpest year-over-year declines in decades.
Why the change? This marks a dramatic shift from the steep rise in killings seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Analysts tell the Washington Post that a mix of policing changes, community programs, and returning social stability likely played a role.
While the Trump administration has deployed National Guardsmen to major Democratic run U.S. cities — from L.A. to D.C. — the data shows that crime rates had been falling since the Biden administration. At the same time, Trump has hailed the efforts, especially in the nation’s capital, a success — with fewer guns on the streets and a nearly two week streak of no murders.
BY THE NUMBERS
FBI data shows that there were nearly 6,000 fewer killings in 2024 than in 2021. This year, the number continues to drop. A Washington Post analysis highlights five cities with some of the biggest improvements since 2021: Baltimore, Philadelphia, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Los Angeles. Some of what they found:
In Baltimore, city data shows that only about 2% of residents were involved in roughly three-quarters of shootings — mostly men in their 30s and 40s.
In Philadelphia, YEAH Philly supports at-risk teens and young adults with financial, legal, mental-health, and limited housing help. Participants earn stipends and jobs, and their recidivism rate is about 9% — far below the state and national average of around 30%.
Other homicide data from 67 law enforcement agencies shows a 19% decline across major U.S. cities during the first nine months of the year — and by more than 40% in Buffalo, NY; Denver, CO; Orlando, FL; and Seattle, WA.
Bottom line: The nationwide trend suggests a sustained shift rather than a temporary dip.