US on track to have historically low number of homicides in 2026, report says

Key Points:

• A new report from the Council on Criminal Justice shows an 18% decrease in homicide rates across 30 American cities from 2025 to 2026, equating to approximately 215 fewer homicides and potentially the lowest annual rate in over a century.
• The report tracked 13 crime categories, noting declines in nine, including carjackings, residential burglary, and aggravated assaults, while shoplifting, domestic violence, sexual assaults, and drug offenses saw slight increases.
• Crime reductions were observed across cities with diverse political leadership and varying local conditions, indicating nationwide factors such as decreased drug use and increased social programming may be driving improvements.
• Despite overall declines, about one-third of the cities, including Norfolk and San Francisco, experienced increases in homicides, highlighting localized variations in crime trends.
• Experts emphasize that while no single cause explains the trend, the significant drop in crime rates represents a major public safety achievement, warranting further study and recognition for its impact on communities.