Crime continues historic decline as homicide rates approach century lows

Crime rates continued falling across a sample of large U.S. cities in the first half of 2026, with homicide rates dropping enough to put the nation on track for another historic low in killings. Image © iStock - GeeratiThe decline builds on a trend that began in late 2022 after homicide rates surged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group’s latest findings suggest homicide rates could fall further in 2026. Crime rates fell across US cities in 2025, continuing a pattern that began after the pandemic surge in homicides. Four cities — Austin, Texas; Minneapolis; Norfolk, Virginia; and Pittsburgh — had homicide rates above their 2019 levels.