The United States is heading towards a new historic low in its homicide rates, according to a new report.
According to the Council on Criminal Justice, which assessed 13 types of crime across 36 cities, 9 of the criminal behaviors were on the decline. Crimes included homicide, aggravated assault, gun assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, robbery, carjacking, drug offenses, and other actions.
Carjacking had the greatest decrease in the first half of the year, falling 47%, while drug offenses had the greatest uptick, rising 12%. Discussing the decline of homicide rates, which fell 18% compared to mid-2025 levels, the report estimated that the rates will continue to fall to levels not seen since 1900.
The researchers explained that the drop in crime “likely reflects a combination of demographic, behavioral, and public policy changes that have affected homicide and other offenses in different ways.”
“As we continue to gain deeper understanding of the dynamics behind the nation’s crime trends, communities should invest in strategies that are supported by rigorous research and producing tangible results on the ground,” the researchers wrote in their conclusion.
President and CEO of the Council on Criminal Justice Adam Gelb said in a statement on the report, “Murder and other crime rates are falling across the map, in cities with different political leadership, housing and economic conditions, policing and prosecution strategies, violence reduction models, and levels of federal enforcement activity.”
“Local policies and programs surely matter, but the striking consistency of the decline suggests that macro-level forces are exerting enormous influence as well,” he said.
