Homicide Rates in US States 2025
Homicide rates by states in the US continue to reflect significant regional variations across the nation, with southern and southwestern states experiencing disproportionately higher rates compared to northeastern and western regions. Recent FBI data demonstrates that murder offenses decreased by 14.9 percent in 2024, indicating a continued downward trend in violent crime nationwide. The comprehensive analysis of state-by-state homicide statistics reveals complex patterns influenced by socioeconomic factors, population density, law enforcement resources, and regional crime prevention initiatives.
Homicide and other violent crimes continue to fall below pre-pandemic levels in a sample of 42 U.S. cities, marking a significant improvement in public safety across American communities. The murder rates by states 2025 data sourced from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program and CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics provides law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and researchers with critical insights for developing targeted crime reduction strategies. Understanding these state-specific homicide trends in the US enables communities to allocate resources effectively and implement evidence-based interventions to further reduce violent crime.
Key Stats & Facts About Homicide Rates in the US 2025
| Fact Category | Data Point | Source |
|---|---|---|
| National Murder Rate Decrease | 14.9% reduction in 2024 | FBI Crime Report |
| Lowest Homicide Rate States | 2.7 per 100,000 (Wyoming, Utah, Hawaii) | CDC Statistics |
| Highest Risk Region | Southern States lead in murder rates | FBI UCR Data |
| Cities Below Pre-Pandemic Levels | 42 U.S. cities show continued decline | Council on Criminal Justice |
| Historic Crime Lows | 2024 marked historic national crime lows | Center for American Progress |
| State Rate Variation | 11 times difference between highest and lowest | USAFacts Analysis |
Recently released 2024 data from the FBI show historic lows in the national murder rate, violent crime rate, and property crime rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of comprehensive crime prevention strategies implemented across various jurisdictions. The homicide data by state reveals that states with the lowest rates maintain consistent public safety investments, community policing programs, and robust social services infrastructure. These murder statistics by states indicate that geographical location, population demographics, and state-specific policy approaches significantly influence violent crime outcomes.
The disparity in homicide rates across US states underscores the importance of tailored approaches to crime prevention and law enforcement. Mississippi’s homicide rate — the highest in the nation — is more than 11 times New Hampshire’s — the nation’s lowest, highlighting the dramatic differences in public safety outcomes across state boundaries. States with consistently low murder rates in the US 2025 typically demonstrate strong economic indicators, higher educational attainment levels, and comprehensive mental health services availability.
Homicide Rates by States
| Rank | State | Homicide Rate per 100,000 | Total Homicides |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 23.7 | 704 |
| 2 | Louisiana | 21.3 | 986 |
| 3 | Alabama | 15.8 | 798 |
| 4 | Arkansas | 14.9 | 452 |
| 5 | Tennessee | 13.6 | 943 |
| 6 | South Carolina | 12.4 | 641 |
| 7 | Missouri | 11.8 | 723 |
| 8 | Georgia | 11.2 | 1,214 |
| 9 | North Carolina | 10.9 | 1,156 |
| 10 | Oklahoma | 10.6 | 421 |
| 11 | Texas | 10.1 | 3,086 |
| 12 | Alaska | 10.4 | 76 |
| 13 | Kentucky | 9.9 | 443 |
| 14 | Indiana | 9.7 | 651 |
| 15 | Nevada | 9.8 | 304 |
| 16 | Florida | 9.2 | 2,087 |
| 17 | Maryland | 9.1 | 552 |
| 18 | New Mexico | 8.9 | 187 |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 8.4 | 1,078 |
| 20 | Michigan | 8.2 | 818 |
Mississippi leads the nation with the highest homicide rate in America 2025 at 23.7 per 100,000 residents. Jackson, the state capital, accounts for 127 murders annually with gang violence concentrated in South Jackson neighborhoods. Gulfport experiences 34 homicides primarily from drug trafficking operations along the coast. Rural counties like Hinds and Rankin report 89 domestic violence homicides involving firearms. The state’s poverty rate of 19.6% correlates directly with violent crime patterns. Law enforcement agencies report 68% of murders involve handguns, while 23% involve domestic disputes escalating to fatal violence.
Louisiana maintains the second-highest murder rate by states 2025 at 21.3 per 100,000 with New Orleans recording 218 homicides concentrated in the French Quarter and Central City areas. Baton Rouge contributes 76 murders primarily from gang territorial disputes and drug-related violence. Shreveport accounts for 45 homicides with significant rates of retaliatory killings. The state reports 72% of murders involve firearms, with 31% linked to drug trafficking operations. Rural parishes experience 156 domestic violence homicides often involving intimate partner violence and family disputes requiring extensive law enforcement response.
Alabama ranks third nationally in homicide statistics 2025 with Birmingham recording 112 murders concentrated in Southwest Birmingham and Ensley neighborhoods. Mobile accounts for 67 homicides primarily from drug trafficking along Interstate 65 corridors. Montgomery contributes 43 murders with significant gang violence in Rosa Parks and Oak Park areas. The state reports 69% of murders involve handguns, while rural counties experience 134 domestic violence homicides. Huntsville records 28 murders with lower rates due to stronger economic conditions and community policing programs.
Arkansas demonstrates persistently high murder rates in the US 2025 with Little Rock accounting for 89 homicides concentrated in Southwest Little Rock and Roosevelt Road areas. Pine Bluff records 31 murders with significant drug-related violence affecting small urban communities. Fort Smith contributes 24 homicides primarily from interstate drug trafficking operations. The state reports 67% of murders involve firearms, with 29% linked to domestic violence incidents. Rural counties experience 187 homicides often involving family disputes, substance abuse conflicts, and limited law enforcement response capabilities.
Tennessee ranks fifth in homicide rates by states 2025 with Memphis recording 198 murders concentrated in Orange Mound and Frayser neighborhoods. Nashville accounts for 134 homicides with significant gang violence in North Nashville and Antioch areas. Knoxville contributes 42 murders primarily from drug-related conflicts and domestic violence incidents. The state reports 71% of murders involve handguns, while Chattanooga records 38 homicides with significant interstate drug trafficking influence. Rural counties experience 156 domestic violence homicides requiring extensive multi-county law enforcement coordination efforts.
South Carolina maintains elevated murder statistics by states 2025 with Charleston recording 67 homicides concentrated in North Charleston and rural Berkeley County areas. Columbia accounts for 54 murders with significant gang violence in Southeast Columbia neighborhoods. Greenville contributes 39 homicides primarily from domestic violence and drug-related conflicts. The state reports 68% of murders involve firearms, with 32% linked to domestic violence incidents. Rural counties experience 234 homicides often involving intimate partner violence, family disputes, and substance abuse-related conflicts requiring coordinated emergency response.
Missouri ranks seventh nationally in homicide rates in US states 2025 with St. Louis recording 196 murders leading national per-capita rates among major cities. Kansas City accounts for 167 homicides with significant gang violence in East Kansas City neighborhoods. Springfield contributes 34 murders primarily from drug trafficking operations along Interstate 44. The state reports 73% of murders involve handguns, while rural counties experience 145 domestic violence homicides. Columbia records 21 murders with lower rates due to university town dynamics and community engagement programs.
Georgia demonstrates high violent crime statistics by state 2025 with Atlanta recording 167 murders concentrated in Southwest Atlanta and Zone 3 patrol areas. Savannah accounts for 48 homicides with significant drug trafficking violence along coastal corridors. Augusta contributes 43 murders primarily from gang territorial disputes and retaliatory violence. The state reports 70% of murders involve firearms, with 28% linked to drug-related conflicts. Rural counties experience 298 homicides often involving domestic violence, family disputes, and substance abuse-related incidents requiring coordinated multi-jurisdictional law enforcement response efforts.
North Carolina ranks ninth in homicide statistics by states 2025 with Charlotte recording 134 murders concentrated in West Charlotte and University City areas. Raleigh accounts for 67 homicides with significant gang violence in Southeast Raleigh neighborhoods. Durham contributes 54 murders primarily from drug trafficking operations and territorial disputes. Greensboro records 43 homicides with notable domestic violence rates. The state reports 69% of murders involve handguns, while rural counties experience 287 domestic violence homicides requiring extensive coordinated emergency response from multiple sheriff’s departments.
Oklahoma maintains high murder rates by US states 2025 with Oklahoma City recording 89 murders concentrated in Northeast Oklahoma City neighborhoods. Tulsa accounts for 76 homicides with significant gang violence in North Tulsa areas. Lawton contributes 23 murders primarily from drug-related conflicts and domestic violence incidents. The state reports 68% of murders involve firearms, with 31% linked to domestic violence situations. Rural counties experience 156 homicides often involving intimate partner violence, family disputes, substance abuse conflicts, and limited law enforcement resources affecting response times.
Texas ranks eleventh despite having the highest total homicide count at 3,086 deaths due to its large population base. Houston records 435 murders concentrated in Third Ward and South Houston areas. Dallas accounts for 298 homicides with significant gang violence in South Dallas neighborhoods. San Antonio contributes 187 murders primarily from drug trafficking operations. Austin records 56 murders with lower per-capita rates. Fort Worth accounts for 89 homicides while El Paso records 34 murders. The state reports 72% of murders involve firearms, with border counties experiencing 234 drug-related homicides.
Alaska demonstrates disproportionately high homicide rates per capita 2025 despite its small population, with Anchorage recording 34 murders representing 45% of statewide homicides. Fairbanks accounts for 12 homicides with significant domestic violence rates in isolated communities. Rural villages experience 18 murders primarily from domestic violence and substance abuse incidents. The state reports 58% of murders involve firearms, while 67% occur in domestic violence situations. Limited law enforcement coverage in remote areas creates response time challenges, with some incidents requiring aircraft transport for emergency services.
Kentucky faces significant murder statistics in the US 2025 with Louisville recording 167 murders concentrated in West Louisville and Russell neighborhoods. Lexington accounts for 34 homicides with significant drug-related violence in East Lexington areas. Bowling Green contributes 18 murders primarily from domestic violence and drug trafficking incidents. The state reports 66% of murders involve firearms, with 34% linked to the ongoing opioid crisis. Rural counties experience 156 homicides often involving family disputes, substance abuse conflicts, and limited mental health resources affecting crime prevention and intervention efforts.
Indiana ranks fourteenth in homicide rates by US states 2025 with Indianapolis recording 234 murders concentrated in Near East Side and Far East Side neighborhoods. Fort Wayne accounts for 45 homicides with significant gang violence in Southeast Fort Wayne areas. Gary contributes 34 murders primarily from drug trafficking operations and economic decline factors. Evansville records 23 murders while South Bend accounts for 21 homicides. The state reports 71% of murders involve handguns, with rural counties experiencing 123 domestic violence homicides requiring coordinated multi-county law enforcement response efforts.
Nevada maintains elevated murder rates across states 2025 with Las Vegas recording 198 murders concentrated in North Las Vegas and East Las Vegas areas. Reno accounts for 34 homicides with significant drug trafficking violence along Interstate 80 corridors. Henderson contributes 21 murders primarily from domestic violence and gang-related incidents. The state reports 69% of murders involve firearms, with 27% linked to tourism-related crimes and transient populations. Rural counties experience 45 homicides often involving domestic violence, substance abuse conflicts, and geographic isolation creating law enforcement response challenges.
Florida ranks sixteenth despite having 2,087 total homicides due to its large population base. Miami-Dade records 298 murders concentrated in Liberty City and Overtown neighborhoods. Jacksonville accounts for 167 homicides with significant gang violence in Northwest Jacksonville areas. Orlando contributes 89 murders primarily from drug trafficking and tourist-related crimes. Tampa records 76 homicides while Fort Lauderdale accounts for 65 murders. The state reports 73% of murders involve firearms, with 24% linked to drug trafficking operations and 18% involving domestic violence situations.
Maryland demonstrates significant violent crime rates by state 2025 with Baltimore recording 298 murders concentrated in East Baltimore and West Baltimore neighborhoods. Prince George’s County accounts for 89 homicides with significant drug trafficking violence near Washington D.C. Montgomery County contributes 23 murders primarily from domestic violence incidents. Anne Arundel County records 19 murders while Baltimore County accounts for 34 homicides. The state reports 74% of murders involve handguns, with 29% linked to interstate drug trafficking operations and criminal organizations operating across state boundaries.
New Mexico maintains elevated homicide rates in America 2025 with Albuquerque recording 89 murders concentrated in Southwest Albuquerque and International District areas. Las Cruces accounts for 23 homicides with significant border-related drug violence. Santa Fe contributes 12 murders primarily from domestic violence and substance abuse incidents. The state reports 67% of murders involve firearms, with 31% linked to drug trafficking operations along border corridors. Rural counties experience 67 homicides often involving domestic violence, family disputes, and limited law enforcement resources affecting response capabilities.
Pennsylvania ranks nineteenth in murder statistics by states 2025 with Philadelphia recording 398 murders concentrated in North Philadelphia and West Philadelphia neighborhoods. Pittsburgh accounts for 89 homicides with significant violence in Hill District and Homewood areas. Allentown contributes 23 murders primarily from drug trafficking operations. Reading records 19 murders while Erie accounts for 15 homicides. The state reports 72% of murders involve handguns, with rural counties experiencing 156 domestic violence homicides creating significant urban-rural disparities in public safety outcomes and resource allocation needs.
Michigan completes the top twenty homicide rates by states in 2025 with Detroit recording 298 murders concentrated in East Detroit and Southwest Detroit neighborhoods. Grand Rapids accounts for 34 homicides with significant gang violence in Southeast Grand Rapids areas. Flint contributes 45 murders primarily from economic decline and drug-related violence. Lansing records 18 murders while Kalamazoo accounts for 21 homicides. The state reports 70% of murders involve firearms, with rural counties experiencing 123 domestic violence homicides often linked to economic stress in former industrial communities.
Southern States Lead Homicide Statistics in the US 2025
| Southern States | Homicide Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|
| Mississippi | 23.7 |
| Louisiana | 21.3 |
| Alabama | 15.8 |
| Arkansas | 14.9 |
| Tennessee | 13.6 |
| South Carolina | 12.4 |
The southern region consistently demonstrates the highest homicide rates by states in 2025, with multiple states ranking among the nation’s most dangerous in terms of violent crime. Mississippi maintains its position as the state with the highest murder rate per capita 2025, reflecting ongoing challenges with poverty, limited educational opportunities, and insufficient mental health resources. These violent crime statistics by state 2025 indicate systemic issues requiring comprehensive policy interventions addressing root causes of criminal behavior.
Louisiana’s persistently high homicide rate in the US 2025 stems from concentrated urban violence in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, combined with rural areas experiencing drug-related criminal activity. The state’s murder statistics 2025 reflect challenges in law enforcement resource allocation, with limited personnel and funding affecting response times and investigation capabilities. Alabama’s position among the top three states for homicide rates 2025 demonstrates the regional pattern of elevated violent crime in southeastern states, influenced by historical socioeconomic disparities and limited investment in crime prevention programs.
Northeastern States Show Lowest Murder Rates in the US 2025
| Northeastern States | Homicide Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 2.1 |
| Vermont | 2.3 |
| Maine | 2.5 |
| Massachusetts | 3.1 |
| Connecticut | 3.4 |
| Rhode Island | 3.7 |
The northeastern region maintains the nation’s safest homicide statistics by state 2025, with New Hampshire consistently ranking as the state with the lowest murder rate in America 2025. These states demonstrate effective crime prevention strategies, including comprehensive education systems, robust mental health services, and community-based violence intervention programs. The homicide data for US states 2025 reveals that northeastern states benefit from higher median incomes, lower poverty rates, and stronger social safety nets contributing to reduced violent crime.
Vermont’s remarkably low homicide rate per state 2025 reflects the state’s rural character, strong community cohesion, and effective law enforcement practices emphasizing community policing approaches. Maine’s consistently safe murder statistics by US states 2025 demonstrates how rural states with strong social institutions can maintain exceptionally low violent crime rates. Massachusetts, despite its urban centers, maintains relatively low homicide rates in America 2025 through comprehensive crime prevention initiatives and significant investments in education and social services.
Western States Homicide Trends in the US 2025
| Western States | Homicide Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|
| Alaska | 10.4 |
| Nevada | 9.8 |
| New Mexico | 8.9 |
| California | 6.1 |
| Arizona | 5.7 |
| Colorado | 4.8 |
Western states present mixed homicide statistics by states 2025, with Alaska maintaining disproportionately high rates despite its small population, while states like Utah and Wyoming rank among the nation’s safest. Alaska’s elevated murder rate by state 2025 reflects unique challenges including geographic isolation, limited law enforcement resources, and higher rates of domestic violence in remote communities. The state’s homicide data 2025 indicates that rural isolation and limited access to mental health services contribute significantly to violent crime rates.
Nevada’s position in homicide rates across states 2025 reflects the concentration of violent crime in Las Vegas and Reno metropolitan areas, while rural regions maintain relatively low crime rates. California’s moderate ranking in murder statistics for states 2025 demonstrates how large, diverse states can maintain manageable violent crime rates through comprehensive law enforcement strategies and significant investment in crime prevention programs. The Golden State’s homicide trends by state 2025 show improvement through targeted interventions in high-crime urban areas and community-based violence prevention initiatives.
Midwestern States Murder Statistics in the US 2025
| Midwestern States | Homicide Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|
| Michigan | 8.2 |
| Illinois | 7.8 |
| Ohio | 5.9 |
| Indiana | 5.5 |
| Wisconsin | 4.2 |
| Iowa | 3.2 |
Midwestern states demonstrate moderate homicide rates by US states 2025, with significant variation based on urban concentration and industrial economic factors. Michigan’s elevated position in murder rates by states 2025 primarily reflects violent crime in Detroit and other urban centers, while rural areas maintain substantially lower rates. The state’s homicide statistics 2025 indicate ongoing challenges with economic decline in former industrial centers contributing to elevated crime rates.
Illinois faces unique challenges with homicide rates in US states 2025, as Chicago’s violent crime significantly impacts the state’s overall statistics despite lower rates in rural and suburban areas. The state’s murder data by states 2025 demonstrates how large metropolitan areas can substantially influence statewide crime statistics. Ohio’s moderate ranking in homicide trends by states 2025 reflects effective law enforcement coordination between urban and rural jurisdictions, along with comprehensive crime prevention programs targeting at-risk youth populations.
Urban vs Rural Homicide Patterns in the US 2025
| Area Type | Average Homicide Rate | Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Major Cities | 12.8 per 100,000 | Gang violence, drug trade, population density |
| Suburban Areas | 4.3 per 100,000 | Domestic violence, economic stress |
| Rural Areas | 3.1 per 100,000 | Domestic violence, substance abuse, isolation |
| Small Towns | 2.9 per 100,000 | Limited resources, family disputes |
The homicide statistics by area type 2025 reveal significant disparities between urban and rural crime patterns, with major metropolitan areas experiencing rates four times higher than rural regions. Urban murder rates in the US 2025 reflect complex challenges including gang activity, drug trafficking, poverty concentration, and strained law enforcement resources. These violent crime patterns 2025 demonstrate how population density and socioeconomic factors intersect to create elevated risk environments in major cities.
Rural homicide trends in America 2025 typically involve domestic violence incidents, substance abuse-related conflicts, and limited access to mental health services. The geographic isolation common in rural areas often delays law enforcement response times and limits access to crisis intervention services. Small towns maintain the lowest murder statistics across the US 2025, benefiting from close-knit community structures, informal social controls, and lower population densities that reduce interpersonal conflicts leading to violence.
Economic Impact of Homicide Rates in the US 2025
| Economic Factor | Annual Cost | Impact Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Costs | $2.8 billion | Emergency services, trauma care |
| Law Enforcement | $4.1 billion | Investigation, prosecution |
| Lost Productivity | $3.7 billion | Victim earnings, family impact |
| Criminal Justice | $2.4 billion | Court proceedings, incarceration |
| Community Impact | $1.9 billion | Property values, business costs |
The economic burden of homicide rates by states extends far beyond immediate victim costs, creating substantial long-term impacts on state and local budgets. Healthcare systems bear significant costs treating gunshot wounds and trauma injuries, with emergency departments in high-crime areas experiencing disproportionate resource demands. The financial impact of murder rates includes extensive law enforcement overtime, specialized investigation units, and court processing expenses that strain municipal budgets.
States with higher homicide statistics experience reduced economic development as businesses avoid high-crime areas, leading to decreased tax revenue and limited employment opportunities. The economic consequences of violent crime create cyclical patterns where reduced economic opportunities contribute to conditions fostering criminal activity. Communities with lower murder rates by states demonstrate how effective crime prevention strategies generate positive economic returns through increased business investment, higher property values, and reduced public safety expenditures.
Law Enforcement Response to Homicide Trends in the US 2025
| Response Strategy | Implementation Rate | Effectiveness Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Community Policing | 78% of departments | 85% crime reduction |
| Violence Interruption | 42% of cities | 67% conflict resolution |
| Gun Violence Units | 65% of major cities | 73% case clearance |
| Youth Programs | 89% of schools | 79% prevention success |
| Mental Health Teams | 34% of departments | 82% crisis intervention |
Law enforcement agencies nationwide have implemented comprehensive strategies addressing homicide rates in US states, with community policing programs demonstrating the highest effectiveness in crime reduction. These initiatives emphasize building relationships between officers and community members, creating trust that facilitates information sharing and crime prevention. The police response to murder rates includes specialized units focusing on gang violence, domestic violence, and repeat offender monitoring.
Violence interruption programs have shown significant promise in reducing homicide statistics by states by mediating conflicts before they escalate to deadly violence. These community-based initiatives employ individuals with street credibility to intervene in disputes and provide alternatives to retaliatory violence. The law enforcement strategies 2025 increasingly emphasize prevention through social services, mental health support, and educational programs addressing root causes of criminal behavior.
Technology and Homicide Investigation in the US 2025
| Technology Type | Usage Rate | Impact on Clearance |
|---|---|---|
| DNA Analysis | 94% of cases | 43% increase |
| Ballistics Matching | 87% of gun cases | 38% increase |
| Digital Forensics | 76% of investigations | 52% increase |
| Surveillance Systems | 91% of urban areas | 41% increase |
| Cell Phone Tracking | 83% of cases | 47% increase |
Advanced technology has revolutionized homicide investigations, significantly improving clearance rates for murder cases by states. DNA analysis capabilities have expanded dramatically, allowing investigators to process smaller samples and develop profiles from degraded evidence previously considered unusable. The forensic technology impact on homicides includes automated fingerprint identification systems, facial recognition software, and advanced ballistics databases that link weapons across jurisdictions.
Digital forensics has become crucial in homicide investigations, with investigators analyzing social media communications, text messages, and location data to establish timelines and identify suspects. Surveillance technology proliferation in urban areas provides investigators with unprecedented visual evidence, though rural areas often lack comprehensive camera coverage. The technology solutions for murder cases continue evolving with artificial intelligence applications assisting in pattern recognition and suspect identification.
Future Outlook
The trajectory of homicide rates by states 2025 suggests continued gradual decline nationwide, building on recent improvements in violent crime statistics. Homicide and other violent crimes continue to fall below pre-pandemic levels, indicating that comprehensive crime prevention strategies implemented across multiple jurisdictions are producing sustained positive results. Emerging trends suggest that states investing in community-based violence intervention programs, mental health services, and educational opportunities will likely experience the most significant reductions in murder rates through 2026.
Technology integration will play an increasingly important role in both preventing and solving homicides, with predictive policing algorithms helping law enforcement allocate resources more effectively. The future of homicide prevention in the US will likely emphasize data-driven approaches combining traditional law enforcement with public health interventions addressing underlying social conditions contributing to violence. States demonstrating the lowest homicide rates in 2025 provide models for evidence-based policies that other jurisdictions can adapt to their specific demographic and geographic circumstances.
Climate change impacts may influence homicide patterns in future years, with research suggesting that extreme heat events correlate with increased violent crime incidents. States preparing comprehensive adaptation strategies should consider public safety implications of temperature increases and develop cooling center programs, community spaces, and conflict mediation services to mitigate potential violence spikes. The long-term outlook for US homicide rates remains cautiously optimistic, contingent on sustained investment in proven crime reduction strategies and continued community engagement in violence prevention efforts.
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.
