The United States is on track to record a historically low number of homicides in 2026, according to a report from the Council on Criminal Justice. The study, which examined data from 30 American cities, found an 18% decrease in the homicide rate from 2025 to 2026.
The report indicates that murders continue a historic decline overall, even though a few cities have seen spikes. The murder rate fell to historic lows last year, and the downward trend is expected to continue, bringing the national homicide count to a level not seen in decades.
In Washington, D.C., homicide rates are likely dropping to levels not seen since 1900. The report notes that while the overall trend is historic, some cities are not experiencing the same declines.
The findings build on last year's record-low murder rate, which has continued to fall in 2026.
