Homicide levels trending lowest in more than a century: Research

A Council on Criminal Justice analysis found that homicides in a sample of major US cities fell sharply in the first half of 2026, suggesting the national homicide rate could reach its lowest recorded level in more than a century. The finding matters because it indicates that the decline in violent crime following the pandemic-era rise is continuing, although nationwide figures are not yet final.

Homicides were down 18 per cent from the same period in 2025, equivalent to about 215 fewer killings across the cities examined, and were 51 per cent below their 2022 peak. The report tracked 13 offences and found declines in nine, including carjacking, burglary and aggravated assault; reported shoplifting, domestic violence, sexual assault and drug offences rose slightly. The historic national estimate will depend on later FBI data covering jurisdictions of all sizes.