Adam Gelb reports an 18% decrease in homicide rates across 30 American cities between 2025 and 2026.
Adam Gelb, president and CEO of the Council on Criminal Justice, reported that homicide rates in 30 American cities fell by 18% from 2025 to 2026. This trend resulted in approximately 215 fewer homicides this year, potentially pushing annual rates to their lowest levels in over a century. The report tracked 13 crime categories, noting significant drops in carjackings, residential burglaries, and aggravated assaults. While shoplifting and drug offenses saw slight increases, the overall lethality of violent crimes decreased by 23%. These improvements exceed expectations, surpassing baseline crime rates established before the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline occurred across cities with diverse political leadership, suggesting that nationwide factors are driving the improvement rather than specific local measures. While conservative politicians affiliated with President Trump may credit immigration crackdowns, others point to federal funding for social programming. Gelb noted that these developments represent one of the most significant public safety milestones in decades, providing communities with increased stability and saved lives.