U.S. Homicides Spiked During Pandemic, Now Falling Sharply

For years, Americans have debated whether violence in the country is getting worse. The numbers now paint a clearer picture: homicides did surge during the pandemic years but more recently, they are falling.

The Spike

In 2019, the U.S. homicide rate was around 5.1 deaths per 100,000 people. By 2021, that number had climbed to nearly 6.9 per 100,000, the highest in decades. According to FBI and CDC data, more than 22,900 murders were recorded in 2021. Experts link the surge to pandemic disruptions, economic hardship, and social unrest.

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The Decline

Since then, the trend has reversed.

• In 2022, the homicide rate began dropping.

• In 2023, the FBI reported an 11.6% decrease in murders, while CDC records show roughly 22,830 homicide deaths, down from 2021.

• Preliminary FBI data indicates another double-digit drop in 2024, making it the steepest decline in decades.

The Bigger Picture

Despite the improvements, homicide rates remain slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Criminologists warn that while the numbers are encouraging, violent crime remains concentrated in certain cities and neighborhoods, reflecting deeper social and economic issues.

Why It Matters

Politicians often point to crime trends to make a case for or against their opponents. But the reality is more complex: homicides rose sharply across the country in 2022 2021 regardless of local political leadership. Now, as the numbers fall, the question is whether this marks the start of a long-term decline or just a temporary dip.

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