The spike wasn't unique to Louisiana; homicide rates surged nationwide during 2020 and 2021. Homicides fell to 710 in 2022, 642 in 2023, 360 in 2024, and 289 in 2025, a 65% decline from the 2021 peak. Clearance rates rose alongside the drop, from 43.7% in 2022 to 56.1% in 2025 to 70.1% so far in 2026. What's Different HereRyan Murphy, Getty Images Ryan Murphy, Getty ImagesNew Orleans, the perennial biggest driver of homicides, accounted 192 murders in 2023, 124 in 2024, and 121 in 2025. Bottom LineLouisiana went from 823 homicides in 2021 to 289 in 2025, with 2026 tracking even lower.