U.S. Homicides Drop 16% in 2024, Marking Third Consecutive Year of Decline

Violent crime rates across the nation approach pre-pandemic levels, driven by significant reductions in murders and property crimes.

Homicides in the U.S. fell by 16% in 2024, following a 13% drop in 2023 and a 6% decline in 2022, marking the fastest consecutive yearly declines in decades.
Major cities like Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C., saw homicide rates drop by as much as 40%, while smaller cities also reported significant reductions.
Property crimes, including motor vehicle theft, decreased nationwide by 8.6%, with car thefts dropping over 21% after a spike in 2023 linked to social media trends.
Experts attribute the decline to a return to pre-pandemic normalcy and the implementation of both law enforcement and community violence prevention programs.
Despite the overall decrease, public perception of crime remains disconnected from reality, with many Americans believing crime is rising due to media coverage and political narratives.