TOH edition: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 · Humanity & Society
Safer Communities Are Possible: The U.S. Homicide Rate Has Matched Its Lowest Recorded Level
Reported by Michigan Advance
Publisher date:
The estimated U.S. murder and nonnegligent manslaughter rate fell 18.1% in 2025 to about four killings per 100,000 people, matching the lowest national rate recorded. A survey of nearly 50 crime scholars identified community violence intervention, easing pandemic disruptions and focused deterrence paired with social services as the most likely contributors—not proven causes.
The decline shows that substantial progress against lethal violence is possible, while understanding its likely contributors could help communities sustain it.
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