U.S. Murder Rate By Year: Trend Chart (2025)

From crime waves in the early ’90s to surprising lows during tough economic times, the U.S. homicide rate has followed a jagged path. Recent years show a troubling surge, raising urgent questions about what’s driving the violence and where we go from here.

The Early Data: A Gradual Rise

In 1985, the United States was experiencing a heightened homicide rate of 8.36 per 100,000 people. A worrisome upward trend ensued, peaking in 1991 at 10.7 homicides. However, the mid-1990s marked a turning point, and by 1999 the rate had notably decreased to 6.11. As the new millennium dawned, the U.S. homicide rate by year stabilized and remained relatively low. There was a slight uptick from 6.03 in 2000 to 6.12 in 2006. The period ended on a note of caution but was still far removed from the highs of the early '90s.

Homicide Rates Fell During the Great Recession

As the Great Recession hit in 2007, one would expect a spike in crime rates due to increased economic hardship. However, the data tells a different story. The U.S. murder rate by year steadily declined, reaching a low of 4.7 by 2014. This counterintuitive drop raised questions among criminologists and economists alike, as traditional theories would suggest an increase in crime during economic downturns.

The 2010s: Varied Trends

Post-recession years saw varied trends in the murder rate. An initial decrease continued until around 2014, after which there was a noticeable uptick to 5.66 in 2016. This increase brought concerns of a potential reversal of the previous decade’s progress.

Recent Years: A Concerning Surge

During the COVID-19 pandemic, homicide rates surged sharply across the U.S. In 2020, the rate rose to 7.22 per 100,000 people, climbing further to 7.75 in 2021—the highest level of the 21st century. Experts cite pandemic-related stresses, including economic hardship, social isolation, and strained public services, as major contributors. Although the rate eased in the following years, the most recent data show that by 2024 it had returned to a lower, more typical level—similar to the years before the pandemic.

Beyond the Numbers and the Road Ahead

While examining homicide statistics, it’s crucial to recognize the complex factors that shape them—from socio-economic conditions and law enforcement strategies to legislative changes and cultural shifts. Looking forward, understanding the why behind the what becomes essential. Criminologists, policymakers, and community leaders must interpret these numbers within broader social dynamics to develop strategies that can effectively address and prevent future surges in violent crime.