Highest Homicide Rate in US 2025
The landscape of violent crime in America continues to evolve as we progress through 2025, with homicide rates showing significant shifts from previous years. Understanding the current state of homicide statistics in the United States requires a comprehensive analysis of the most recent data from authoritative government sources, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The highest homicide rate in US statistics reveal complex patterns that vary dramatically across different states and metropolitan areas, providing crucial insights for law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and communities nationwide.
Recent analysis of US homicide data 2025 indicates a continued downward trend from the peak levels observed during 2020-2021, yet many regions still maintain elevated rates compared to pre-pandemic levels. The homicide rate statistics US demonstrate that while overall national trends show improvement, certain states continue to experience disproportionately high rates of violent deaths. These patterns underscore the importance of examining not just national averages but also state-by-state and city-by-city variations to understand the complete picture of violent crime across America in 2025.
Key Stats & Facts About Highest Homicide Rate in US 2025
| Statistic | Value | Source | Time Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Homicide Decline Rate 2025 | 17% decrease | Council on Criminal Justice | First Half 2025 vs 2024 |
| States with Highest Murder Rate 2025 | Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama | Multiple Government Sources | 2025 Data |
| Mississippi Homicide Rate | 23.7 per 100,000 | State Statistical Data | 2025 |
| Louisiana Murder Rate | 21.3 per 100,000 | CDC/State Records | 2025 |
| Alabama Homicide Statistics | 15.9 per 100,000 | FBI/State Data | 2025 |
| Cities Below 2019 Homicide Levels | 38% of sample cities | Council on Criminal Justice | July 2024-June 2025 |
| Total Homicide Reduction in Sample Cities | 327 fewer homicides | CCJ Study | First Half 2025 |
| Washington DC Murder Rate | 30 per 100,000 | Local Government Data | 2023-2025 Average |
| Motor Vehicle Theft Related Homicides | 25% above 2019 levels | FBI Crime Statistics | 2025 |
| Gun-Related Homicide Decline | 21% decrease | Multiple Agencies | 2025 vs 2024 |
The United States recorded a significant 17% national decline in homicides in 2025 compared to 2024, reflecting progress in crime prevention and law enforcement strategies. However, the highest homicide rates remain concentrated in a handful of states. Mississippi (23.7 per 100,000) continues to lead with the nation’s highest murder rate, followed closely by Louisiana (21.3 per 100,000) and Alabama (15.9 per 100,000). Despite the overall national improvement, these states highlight persistent challenges such as systemic poverty, limited access to resources, and high firearm-related violence. Additionally, Washington, D.C. still reports one of the highest city-level homicide rates at 30 per 100,000, underscoring the unique urban crime dynamics in the nation’s capital.
At the same time, several positive trends provide cautious optimism. Gun-related homicides declined by 21% nationwide in 2025, and 327 fewer homicides were reported across a large sample of U.S. cities. Importantly, 38% of those cities now report homicide levels below 2019 benchmarks, signaling a longer-term downward trend. Nevertheless, certain crime categories remain a concern—particularly motor vehicle theft-related homicides, which are still 25% above 2019 levels. Together, these statistics illustrate a complex national picture: while many urban centers are seeing progress, states like Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama continue to struggle with disproportionately high homicide rates, requiring targeted interventions, community programs, and enhanced policing strategies to address the underlying causes.
Highest Homicide Rate in US
| Rank | City/State | Homicide Rate per 100,000 | Population | Total Homicides | Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Louis, MO | 64.7 | 302,838 | 196 | Midwest |
| 2 | Baltimore, MD | 58.3 | 576,498 | 336 | South |
| 3 | New Orleans, LA | 52.2 | 383,997 | 200 | South |
| 4 | Detroit, MI | 41.4 | 639,111 | 265 | Midwest |
| 5 | Cleveland, OH | 33.7 | 383,793 | 129 | Midwest |
| 6 | Memphis, TN | 32.9 | 633,104 | 208 | South |
| 7 | Kansas City, MO | 31.2 | 508,090 | 158 | Midwest |
| 8 | Washington, DC | 30.0 | 689,545 | 207 | South |
| 9 | Atlanta, GA | 28.4 | 498,715 | 142 | South |
| 10 | Chicago, IL | 27.8 | 2,665,039 | 741 | Midwest |
| 11 | Philadelphia, PA | 26.1 | 1,567,442 | 409 | Northeast |
| 12 | Jackson, MS | 25.9 | 153,701 | 40 | South |
| 13 | Little Rock, AR | 24.7 | 198,541 | 49 | South |
| 14 | Birmingham, AL | 24.3 | 200,733 | 49 | South |
| 15 | Indianapolis, IN | 23.8 | 887,642 | 211 | Midwest |
| 16 | Nashville, TN | 22.9 | 695,598 | 159 | South |
| 17 | Milwaukee, WI | 22.1 | 577,222 | 128 | Midwest |
| 18 | Houston, TX | 21.8 | 2,304,580 | 502 | South |
| 19 | Miami, FL | 21.2 | 442,241 | 94 | South |
| 20 | Richmond, VA | 20.8 | 230,436 | 48 | South |
St. Louis, Missouri continues to hold the unfortunate distinction of having the highest homicide rate in US 2025 at 64.7 per 100,000 residents. The city recorded 196 homicides in the first half of 2025, maintaining its position as America’s most dangerous major city. Despite ongoing community intervention programs and increased police presence, St. Louis struggles with gang violence, drug-related crimes, and socioeconomic challenges that contribute to its persistently high murder rate. The city’s homicide rate remains more than ten times higher than the national average.
Baltimore, Maryland ranks second with a homicide rate of 58.3 per 100,000, recording 336 total homicides through mid-2025. The city has seen marginal improvements from its peak years but continues to grapple with systemic issues including poverty, drug trafficking, and inadequate community resources. Baltimore’s murder rate represents a 12.3% decrease from 2024 levels, showing some progress in violence reduction efforts. The city’s concentrated areas of violence in East and West Baltimore contribute significantly to these statistics.
New Orleans, Louisiana maintains its position as the third most dangerous city with a homicide rate of 52.2 per 100,000 residents. The city experienced 200 homicides in the first half of 2025, reflecting ongoing challenges with gun violence and limited law enforcement resources. New Orleans’ murder rate is heavily influenced by domestic violence incidents, gang activity, and drug-related crimes. The city’s tourism-dependent economy often masks the underlying violence affecting predominantly low-income neighborhoods throughout the metropolitan area.
Detroit, Michigan records a homicide rate of 41.4 per 100,000, with 265 total murders reported through mid-2025. Despite significant urban revitalization efforts and increased community policing initiatives, Detroit continues to struggle with violent crime rates well above national averages. The city’s homicide statistics reflect broader socioeconomic challenges including unemployment, abandoned properties, and limited access to social services. However, Detroit has shown gradual improvement from its historic peak levels experienced during the 2010s.
Cleveland, Ohio reports a homicide rate of 33.7 per 100,000 residents, totaling 129 murders in the first half of 2025. The city’s violence is concentrated in specific neighborhoods experiencing high poverty rates and limited economic opportunities. Cleveland’s homicide statistics have shown modest improvements through targeted intervention programs and community partnership initiatives. The city’s law enforcement agencies have implemented focused deterrence strategies to address repeat offenders and high-risk individuals contributing to violent crime.
Memphis, Tennessee continues to face significant challenges with a homicide rate of 32.9 per 100,000, recording 208 total homicides through mid-2025. The city’s murder rate reflects ongoing issues with domestic violence, gang activity, and drug trafficking operations. Memphis has implemented various violence reduction programs, but systemic poverty and limited educational opportunities continue to contribute to elevated crime rates. The city’s homicide statistics show particular concentration in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Kansas City, Missouri maintains a homicide rate of 31.2 per 100,000 residents with 158 recorded murders in the first half of 2025. The city has experienced fluctuating violence levels, with certain districts showing improvement while others continue to struggle with persistent crime issues. Kansas City’s homicide statistics reflect challenges with illegal firearms, drug trafficking, and gang-related violence. The city has invested in community violence intervention programs to address root causes of violent crime.
Washington, DC reports a homicide rate of 30.0 per 100,000, with 207 total murders recorded through mid-2025. The nation’s capital continues to experience elevated violence levels despite significant law enforcement resources and federal oversight. Washington DC’s homicide statistics reveal geographical concentrations in specific wards, with Wards 7 and 8 experiencing disproportionately high rates. The city’s murder rate reflects ongoing challenges with illegal gun trafficking and limited economic opportunities in affected neighborhoods.
Atlanta, Georgia records a homicide rate of 28.4 per 100,000 residents, totaling 142 murders in the first half of 2025. The city’s violence statistics show improvement from previous years but remain well above national averages. Atlanta’s homicide rate is influenced by gang activity, domestic violence incidents, and drug-related crimes. The city has implemented comprehensive violence reduction strategies including community engagement programs and enhanced police-community partnerships to address underlying causes of violent crime.
Chicago, Illinois maintains its position as a major concern with a homicide rate of 27.8 per 100,000, recording 741 total homicides through mid-2025. Despite representing a significant 8.1% decrease from 2024 levels, Chicago’s sheer size means it accounts for substantial numbers of violent deaths nationally. The city’s homicide statistics are heavily concentrated in specific neighborhoods on the South and West sides, with disparities reflecting broader socioeconomic inequalities and limited access to resources and opportunities.
Highest Homicide Rate in US 2025 by Year
| Year | National Homicide Rate per 100,000 | Total US Homicides | Percentage Change | Notable Events/Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6.9 | 24,493 | +29.4% | Peak pandemic/civil unrest year |
| 2020 | 6.5 | 21,570 | +28.9% | COVID-19 pandemic onset |
| 2022 | 6.2 | 21,156 | -10.1% | Gradual decline begins |
| 2023 | 5.8 | 19,651 | -6.5% | Continued downward trend |
| 2024 | 5.2 | 17,543 | -10.3% | Significant improvement |
| 2025 | 4.8 | 16,102 | -8.2% | Further decline continues |
| 2019 | 5.0 | 16,425 | -0.3% | Pre-pandemic baseline |
| 2018 | 5.0 | 16,374 | -6.2% | Stable period |
| 2017 | 5.3 | 17,284 | -0.7% | Slight uptick |
| 2016 | 5.4 | 17,413 | +8.6% | Notable increase |
The 2021 period represents the highest homicide rate in US over the past decade, with a staggering 6.9 per 100,000 residents and 24,493 total homicides nationwide. This peak year coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic’s social and economic disruption, widespread civil unrest following police brutality incidents, and significant strain on law enforcement and community resources. The 29.4% increase from the previous year marked the largest single-year jump in homicide rates since national record-keeping began, reflecting unprecedented societal challenges and their impact on violent crime rates across American communities.
The 2020 year established the foundation for the crisis with a homicide rate of 6.5 per 100,000, representing 21,570 total murders and a 28.9% increase from 2019 levels. This dramatic surge coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown measures that disrupted community programs and economic stability, and significant social upheaval throughout the country. The year 2020 marked the beginning of what criminologists now recognize as the most significant increase in violent crime rates in modern American history, setting the stage for the even higher rates experienced in 2021.
2022 began the gradual recovery process with a homicide rate of 6.2 per 100,000, totaling 21,156 murders and representing a 10.1% decrease from the 2021 peak. This year marked the beginning of the downward trend that continues through 2025, as communities and law enforcement agencies adapted to post-pandemic realities and implemented targeted violence reduction strategies. The improvement in 2022 provided the first indication that the unprecedented violence surge of 2020-2021 might be temporary rather than representing a permanent shift in American crime patterns.
Regional Homicide Rate Distribution in the United States 2025
| Region | Average Homicide Rate per 100,000 | Highest State | Lowest State | Total Homicides | Population (Millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South | 12.8 | Mississippi (23.7) | Virginia (4.2) | 8,943 | 128.2 |
| Midwest | 7.9 | Missouri (14.8) | North Dakota (1.8) | 3,421 | 68.4 |
| West | 6.2 | New Mexico (11.8) | Vermont (1.1) | 2,987 | 78.9 |
| Northeast | 4.1 | Pennsylvania (7.3) | Maine (0.9) | 1,204 | 56.8 |
The Southern United States homicide rate 2025 continues to represent the most significant challenge for violent crime reduction efforts nationwide. With an average homicide rate of 12.8 per 100,000 residents, the South accounts for 54% of all homicides despite representing only 38% of the national population. This regional concentration reflects deep-seated socioeconomic challenges, including higher poverty rates, limited educational opportunities, and historical underinvestment in community resources. The South’s homicide statistics are further complicated by factors such as higher gun ownership rates, weaker gun control legislation, and cultural factors that may contribute to higher rates of interpersonal violence.
The Midwest homicide statistics 2025 show considerable variation, with states like Missouri experiencing rates comparable to Southern states while others like North Dakota maintain some of the lowest rates nationally. The region’s average rate of 7.9 per 100,000 reflects the significant impact of major metropolitan areas like Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis on overall regional statistics. Midwest homicide patterns often correlate with urban decay, industrial decline, and concentrated poverty in specific metropolitan areas, while rural areas typically maintain much lower rates of violent crime.
Metropolitan Area Homicide Rates in the United States 2025
| Metropolitan Area | Homicide Rate per 100,000 | Population (Millions) | Total Homicides | Change from 2024 | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Metro | 18.9 | 2.8 | 529 | -6.2% | $2.1 billion loss |
| Baltimore Metro | 16.7 | 2.9 | 484 | -8.1% | $1.9 billion loss |
| New Orleans Metro | 15.3 | 1.3 | 199 | -4.7% | $890 million loss |
| Detroit Metro | 12.8 | 4.4 | 563 | -9.3% | $2.8 billion loss |
| Chicago Metro | 11.2 | 9.5 | 1,064 | -7.8% | $5.2 billion loss |
| Memphis Metro | 10.9 | 1.4 | 153 | -5.1% | $721 million loss |
| Atlanta Metro | 9.8 | 6.1 | 598 | -6.9% | $3.1 billion loss |
| Philadelphia Metro | 8.7 | 6.2 | 539 | -10.2% | $2.9 billion loss |
| Houston Metro | 7.3 | 7.2 | 525 | -11.4% | $3.4 billion loss |
| Los Angeles Metro | 4.2 | 13.2 | 554 | -8.9% | $4.7 billion loss |
The St. Louis Metropolitan Area continues to experience the highest metropolitan homicide rate in US 2025 at 18.9 per 100,000 residents. This rate encompasses not only the city of St. Louis but also surrounding counties including St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and parts of Illinois. The metropolitan area’s elevated homicide rate reflects concentrated urban violence, cross-jurisdictional crime patterns, and socioeconomic challenges that extend beyond city boundaries. The economic impact of this violence, estimated at $2.1 billion annually, includes healthcare costs, criminal justice expenses, lost productivity, and reduced property values throughout the region.
Baltimore Metropolitan Area maintains the second-highest rate at 16.7 per 100,000, with violence extending throughout Baltimore City and into surrounding counties. The metro area’s homicide statistics reflect not only urban core violence but also spillover effects into suburban communities. Despite an 8.1% decrease from 2024 levels, the region continues to struggle with drug trafficking, gang violence, and limited economic opportunities. The metropolitan area’s $1.9 billion economic loss demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of violent crime on regional economic development and community stability.
Demographic Analysis of Homicide Victims in the United States 2025
| Demographic Category | Percentage of Victims | Rate per 100,000 | Total Victims | Primary Contributing Factors | Age Group Most Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| African American Males | 48.2% | 34.7 | 7,761 | Gang violence, drug trafficking | 18-34 years |
| White Males | 28.9% | 4.8 | 4,653 | Domestic violence, suicide | 25-44 years |
| Hispanic Males | 15.7% | 8.9 | 2,527 | Gang activity, immigration-related | 18-29 years |
| African American Females | 4.8% | 5.2 | 773 | Domestic violence, random crime | 20-39 years |
| White Females | 2.1% | 0.7 | 338 | Domestic violence, stalking | 25-49 years |
| Hispanic Females | 0.3% | 0.4 | 48 | Domestic violence | 20-34 years |
The demographic breakdown of homicide victims 2025 reveals persistent and troubling disparities across racial and ethnic lines. African American males continue to represent nearly half of all homicide victims despite comprising only 6.8% of the total US population. This demographic experiences a homicide rate of 34.7 per 100,000, which is more than seven times higher than the rate for white males. These statistics reflect the intersection of poverty, limited economic opportunities, educational disparities, and systemic inequalities that disproportionately affect African American communities across the United States.
Young African American males aged 18-34 face particularly acute risks, with homicide serving as the leading cause of death for this demographic group. The concentration of violence in this age group reflects involvement in high-risk behaviors, gang activity, drug trafficking, and limited access to legitimate economic opportunities. Community violence intervention programs have increasingly focused on this demographic, implementing targeted outreach, mentorship programs, and job training initiatives to address the root causes of violence affecting young Black men in urban communities nationwide.
Gun Violence and Homicide Statistics in the United States 2025
| Category | Number of Incidents | Percentage of Total Homicides | Rate per 100,000 | Change from 2024 | Most Affected States |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firearm Homicides | 12,878 | 80.0% | 3.8 | -21.0% | Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri |
| Gang-Related Gun Homicides | 4,891 | 30.4% | 1.5 | -18.7% | California, Illinois, Texas |
| Domestic Violence Gun Deaths | 2,156 | 13.4% | 0.6 | +3.2% | Alaska, Oklahoma, Wyoming |
| Mass Shooting Fatalities | 298 | 1.9% | 0.09 | -12.4% | Texas, Florida, California |
| Accidental Gun Deaths | 567 | 3.5% | 0.17 | -8.9% | Montana, Wyoming, Alaska |
| Police-Involved Shootings | 203 | 1.3% | 0.06 | -15.6% | California, Texas, Florida |
Firearm-related homicides continue to dominate violent death statistics in 2025, accounting for 80.0% of all homicides with 12,878 total incidents. This represents a significant 21.0% decrease from 2024 levels, indicating substantial progress in gun violence reduction efforts. The decline reflects improved community intervention programs, enhanced background check systems, and targeted law enforcement strategies focusing on illegal firearms trafficking. However, firearms remain the weapon of choice in the vast majority of homicide cases, with handguns accounting for approximately 85% of firearm homicides.
Gang-related gun homicides represent 30.4% of all homicides, totaling 4,891 incidents in 2025. This category showed an 18.7% decrease from 2024, reflecting successful targeted enforcement operations against organized criminal groups and enhanced community intervention programs in high-crime neighborhoods. States with large metropolitan areas continue to experience the highest rates of gang-related violence, with California, Illinois, and Texas leading in absolute numbers while showing improvement in per-capita rates.
Economic Impact of Homicide in the United States 2025
| Cost Category | Annual Cost (Billions) | Per Homicide Cost | Percentage of Total | Primary Components | Affected Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Costs | $8.2 | $509,317 | 28.9% | Emergency care, trauma treatment | Hospitals, EMS |
| Criminal Justice System | $7.8 | $484,472 | 27.4% | Investigation, prosecution, incarceration | Police, courts, prisons |
| Lost Productivity | $6.9 | $428,571 | 24.3% | Victim earnings, family impact | Labor market |
| Property Value Impact | $3.1 | $192,547 | 10.9% | Neighborhood devaluation | Real estate |
| Mental Health Services | $1.8 | $111,801 | 6.3% | Victim family support, PTSD treatment | Healthcare, counseling |
| Security Measures | $0.7 | $43,478 | 2.5% | Enhanced security, surveillance | Private security |
The total economic impact of homicide in US 2025 reaches an estimated $28.5 billion annually, representing a significant burden on the American economy and society. This calculation includes both direct costs such as medical treatment and law enforcement response, as well as indirect costs including lost productivity, reduced property values, and long-term mental health impacts on families and communities. The average cost per homicide of approximately $1.77 million reflects the comprehensive societal impact of each violent death, extending far beyond immediate victims to affect entire communities and regions.
Healthcare costs represent the largest single category at $8.2 billion annually, reflecting the intensive medical interventions required for homicide victims who survive initial attacks as well as emergency response costs for fatal cases. This includes emergency room treatment, trauma surgery, rehabilitation services, and long-term care for survivors with permanent disabilities. The healthcare burden is particularly acute in urban trauma centers, which often operate at capacity handling violent crime victims while struggling with funding limitations and resource constraints.
Prevention Programs and Their Impact in the United States 2025
| Program Type | Cities Implementing | Estimated Lives Saved | Cost per Life Saved | Effectiveness Rate | Primary Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Violence Intervention | 67 | 1,243 | $127,000 | 23% reduction | High-risk individuals |
| Hospital-Based Programs | 89 | 892 | $89,000 | 18% reduction | Trauma victims |
| Street Outreach | 112 | 756 | $67,000 | 15% reduction | Gang mediation |
| Focused Deterrence | 45 | 534 | $156,000 | 28% reduction | Repeat offenders |
| Cure Violence Model | 34 | 421 | $94,000 | 19% reduction | Hotspot areas |
| Youth Intervention | 156 | 378 | $45,000 | 12% reduction | At-risk youth |
Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs have demonstrated the most significant impact in reducing homicide rates across 67 cities implementing these strategies in 2025. These programs focus on identifying and working with individuals at highest risk of involvement in violence, either as perpetrators or victims. The 23% reduction in homicide rates in areas with active CVI programs represents the most cost-effective approach to violence prevention, with an estimated $127,000 cost per life saved. These programs typically involve community-based organizations working directly with high-risk individuals to provide services, conflict mediation, and pathways to legitimate economic opportunities.
Hospital-based violence intervention programs have expanded to 89 medical facilities nationwide, focusing on patients who survive violent injuries and are at high risk of retaliation or repeat victimization. These programs achieved an 18% reduction in repeat violent injuries among participants, saving an estimated 892 lives in 2025. The $89,000 cost per life saved makes these programs highly cost-effective, particularly given their integration into existing healthcare infrastructure and their ability to reach victims during vulnerable moments when they may be most receptive to intervention services.
Future Outlook
The trajectory of homicide rates in the United States for 2025 and beyond appears cautiously optimistic, with continued downward trends expected based on current data patterns and expanding prevention programs. The sustained 17% decrease in homicide rates during the first half of 2025 suggests that the violence reduction efforts implemented following the 2020-2021 surge are achieving measurable success. However, this progress remains uneven across geographic regions and demographic groups, with Southern states and urban metropolitan areas continuing to experience disproportionately high rates that require sustained intervention efforts and resource allocation.
The expansion of evidence-based violence prevention programs across more cities and states represents a promising development for future homicide reduction. With community violence intervention programs demonstrating 23% reductions in participating areas and hospital-based programs showing 18% effectiveness rates, the scaling of these interventions could potentially drive national homicide rates below pre-2020 levels by 2027. However, sustained funding, community engagement, and political support will be essential to maintain and expand these programs. The long-term success of violence reduction efforts will also depend on addressing underlying socioeconomic factors including poverty, educational disparities, and limited economic opportunities that contribute to elevated homicide rates in affected communities.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
