Most Murders in U.S. By City 2024 – 20 Hotspots In America

Safety in life? Yeah, that’s the dream. But the reality in the U.S.? It’s a mixed bag, to say the least. The United States ranks 128th on the Global Peace Index, which is pretty far down the list when you think about it.

One major factor dragging the country down is its murder rate. The U.S. had a whopping 15,498 murders in 2018 alone. That’s about 5.0 murders per 100,000 people. Some cities, though, are way above this average.

For example, St. Louis has by far the highest murder rate in America and is considered the “murder capital of the US,” but there are cities that are not lagging far behind. Here are statistics from 2024:

Methodology

• We gathered reliable crime data from multiple reputable sources, including AreaVibes, NeighborhoodScout, city police reports, and public safety databases. This multi-source strategy is very important for a robust and up-to-date dataset.
• To account for population size variations across different cities, we calculated crime rates per capita.
• We examined crime data over recent years to identify patterns, trends, or surges in specific cities.
• We classified crimes into categories such as violent crimes (e.g., murder, assault) and property crimes (e.g., burglary, theft).
• Utilizing geospatial tools, we mapped crime occurrences to visualize spatial distributions and identify hotspots within cities.
• We compared crime rates across different cities and neighborhoods, considering factors such as socioeconomic status, law enforcement practices, and community engagement.

20. Atlanta, GA

Atlanta, with its rich history and culture, has a murder rate of 14.9 per 100k, as per Sirix Monitoring. It’s a city of contrasts, where Southern charm meets urban crime, and some neighborhoods are best to be avoided.

Homicides in 2024

According to the Law Office of Lawrence J. Zimmerman, there has been a notable drop in homicides in Atlanta, specifically a 21% reduction attributed to efforts against gang and gun violence.

Murder and Violent Crime Rates in Atlanta

The overall violent crime rate in Atlanta, including murder, saw a decrease by 2023, as per the Law Office of Delisa Williams PC.

Homicide Rates in Georgia

Georgia, as a whole, reports an overall violent crime rate of 364.3 per 100,000 residents, which is slightly below the national average. The state has seen lower rates of violent crimes like murder in comparison to other forms of crime like aggravated assault, which occurs at a rate of 277.5 per 100,000 residents, Georgia Bureau of Investigation reports.

19. Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., has a murder rate of 17.0 per 100k. Despite its political significance, it’s a city that struggles with violence.

Decline in Homicides

154 homicides as of October 16, 2024, representing a 30% decrease compared to the same period in 2023, when 221 homicides were recorded, as per MPDC.

Comparison to 2023

Last year, D.C. experienced its highest homicide rate in 26 years, with 274 homicides recorded in 2023. This placed the city among the top five highest murder rates in the nation’s largest cities, as the Washington Post reported.

Trend Reversal

According to the Washington Examiner, early data from 2024 suggests that crime rates, including homicides, might be on track to decrease, showing a positive trend compared to the previous year’s surge in violent crime.

Overall violent crime is down 26%, while homicides specifically have dropped by 21% year-to-date, as of data available in September 2024, Crime Data DC shows.

18. Oakland, CA

Oakland, part of the Bay Area’s tech hub, has a murder rate of 17.1 per 100k. The city’s innovation is shadowed by its crime issues.

Decrease in Homicides

The report from the Oakland Police Department indicate a reduction in the number of homicides in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The overall crime rate has also shown a decline.

Fruitvale Crime Suppression Efforts

This program contributed to a 43% reduction in robberies and a 25% drop in aggravated assaults in that area, according to the City of Oakland.

13% drop in homicides compared to the average of the previous three years – Between January and mid-August 2024, Oakland recorded 59 homicides, 12 fewer than the same time in 2023 – OaklandSide

17. Louisville, KY

Louisville, known for the Kentucky Derby, has a murder rate of 17.5 per 100k. It’s a place where the stakes are high in more ways than one.

Increased Violence in 2024

WDRB News reported that Louisville has experienced a violent start to 2024, with significant increases in homicide rates. In March 2024 alone, the number of homicides doubled compared to the previous year.

In May 2024, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) reported a total of 46 shootings for the month WAVE 3 Reports.

According to Louisville Public Media, this trend continued throughout the year, and 119 homicides occurred in Louisville by early October 2024, reflecting a 5% increase from the previous year at the same time.

16. Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis, famous for the Indy 500, has a murder rate of 17.7 per 100k. It’s a city where the race against crime is ongoing while the crime rates are growing.

100th Homicide Marked

As of the first half of 2024, Indianapolis marked its 100th homicide, indicating a significant number of violent crimes within the city.

On Pace for 200+ Homicides

Indianapolis is close to reaching 100 homicides by the end of May. We are on pace to reach 200+ murders for the fourth year in a row. Why won’t Joe Hogsett hire a public safety director to handle a problem he clearly can’t handle on his own? #shreveformayor pic.twitter.com/LsyGx3D8pj

— Jefferson Shreve (@JeffersonShreve) May 22, 2023

Judging by WRTV reports, by reaching 100 homicides before July 1st, Indianapolis is on pace to surpass 200 homicides for the fifth consecutive year.

This trend continued through the year. and as of late September, Indianapolis had recorded 156 homicides, reflecting the ongoing violence in the city, WTHR confirms.

Justifiable Homicides

Out of the 12 homicides in the first 16 days of 2024, nearly half were under review as potentially justifiable killings, indicating complexities in the nature of these incidents, as Fox59 reports.

Clearance Rate Remains Good

As of early October 2024, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) had solved about 57.6% of homicide cases, a figure consistent with prior years, Karen Campbell reports.

15. Tulsa, OK

Tulsa’s murder rate stands at 18.6 per 100k. Known for its oil industry, Tulsa also has its share of violent crime issues.

Higher-Than-Average Murders to Start 2024

• The Tulsa Police Department (TPD) reported a higher-than-average number of murders at the beginning of 2024.
• Despite the higher rate, the department remains committed to solving these cases efficiently.

Total Homicides as of Mid-September 2024

Tulsa recorded 65 homicides by mid-September 2024, surpassing the total number from 2023 and on track to exceed the previous record of 82 homicides, The Frontier reports.

Homicides Remain Unsolved From Previous Years

• Two homicides from the previous year remain unsolved, while three from 2022 are still open cases, according to KJRH reports.
• TPD emphasizes the importance of community cooperation in solving these cases.

14. Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh, with a murder rate of 18.4 per 100k, is more than just steel and bridges. It’s a city grappling with crime like many others on this list.

Historical Context

Historical trends show variations in Pittsburgh’s murder rate. For example, in 2018, the city’s murder rate was 18.8 per 100,000 population, which was a 4.4% decrease from the previous year, Pittsburgh Quarterly reports.

Homicides in 2024

Homicides in Pittsburgh in 2024 have surpassed 50 cases by October, continuing a rise compared to earlier months of the year, according to Triblive. Over 90% of the murders have been committed using firearms.

Triblive also emphasizes that a significant number of victims are young Black men, continuing a troubling trend seen in past years, with many victims in their teens or early 20s.

13. Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee has a murder rate of 20.0 per 100k. It’s a city known for its brewing history, but unfortunately, it also has a significant crime problem.

Decline in Homicides

As of October 8th, 2024, homicides in Milwaukee have decreased by 21% compared to the same period in 2023. This is part of a broader decline in violent crime in the city, including a 22% reduction in nonfatal shootings, Evan Casey from WPR reports.

Comparative Reduction

Compared to two years ago, homicides in Milwaukee have dropped nearly 50%. The reduction is also 23% lower than the same time last year, showcasing a substantial improvement over recent years, judging by the reports from Wisconsin Public Radio.

Contextual Analysis

Reports from Urban Milwaukee claim that although Milwaukee has experienced a reduction in overall homicides, certain areas, such as domestic violence-related homicides, have seen an increase, highlighting specific challenges within the broader trend of declining violence.

12. Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, known as the City of Brotherly Love, has a murder rate of 20.2 per 100k. It’s a place with a rich history and culture, but safety can be a concern in certain areas.

Significant Drop in Homicides

As of April 30, 2024, there were 87 reported homicides in Philadelphia, which represents a 35% decrease compared to the same period last year, NBC Philadelphia reports.

This is the trend that continued throughout the year, and as of late September this year, homicides decreased by 40% in Philadelphia compared to the same period in 2023.

200 homicides recorded as of late September 2024, down from 341 at the same time last year.

Philadelphia Magazine also states that the city is on pace to end 2024 with 246 homicides, potentially tying with 2013 for the lowest number of homicides in over five decades.

General Decline in Violent Crime

Philadelphia has seen a general decrease in violent crime rates in 2024, according to WHYY. This trend is consistent with the national decrease in violent crimes.

Encouraging Signs of Decline in Gun Violence

Early data by the Center for American Progress from 2024 shows promising signs of a historic decline in gun violence, contributing to the overall drop in homicides.

2024 Transition Year for Philadelphia

2024 has been marked as a year of significant transition for Philadelphia, with improving economic metrics and declining violent crime rates, but still facing deep-seated issues, sources from Pew Trust claim.

11. Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati, another Ohio city with a notable murder rate of 23.8 per 100k, might be famous for its chili, but safety concerns are also a hot topic.

• Last year, Cincinnati saw a significant number of teen shootings and vehicle thefts, hinting at a high violent crime rate, which could impact 2024 statistics, as per FOX19.

Latest Homicide Stats

CincyInsights reported some encouraging statistics for the second half of 2024:

• Homicides down 8% by mid-year 2024 compared to 2023, showing a decline in overall violence.
• 64% of homicide cases in 2024 were closed, showing a notable rate of case resolution by the police.
• The city has also seen a focus on reducing shootings through community and police collaborations, with ongoing efforts to address group-related violence.

10. Chicago, IL

Chicago, with its skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza, has a murder rate of 24.0 per 100k. Despite its many attractions, crime remains a significant issue in certain neighborhoods in this city.

Decrease in Homicides

According to the Chicago Police Department Report, Homicides in Chicago have decreased by approximately 20.9% in the first two months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. There has also been a 15.9% drop in shooting incidents and a 12.5% decline in the number of shooting victims.

Total Homicides Recorded in Chicago (January-September 2024)

439 homicides were recorded, marking an 8% decrease compared to the same period in 2023, as per Matt Masterson from WTTW News. There were 47 homicides, down from 49 in September 2023. This is the lowest number for any September in the last five years.

Citywide Shootings (January-September 2024)

WTTW News also reported that there were 1,808 shootings in the period between January and September this year, a reduction of 5% from the same timeframe in 2023.

9. Newark, NJ

Newark has a murder rate of 25.6 per 100k. It’s right across the river from New York City but worlds apart in terms of safety. This says a lot since New York City has some of the most dangerous neighborhoods on the East Coast.

Violent Crimes (January to October 2024)

There was an 11% increase in violent crimes in 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, which includes a rise in aggravated assaults and robberies, though homicide numbers remain relatively stable, according to Newark Public Safety Collaborative.

Youth Curfew and Community Initiatives

According to Chalkbeat, Newark has implemented a youth curfew to help keep teens off the streets and reduce violence. This initiative aims to engage young people with community services and prevent them from becoming involved in criminal activities.

Notable Incidents and Arrests

There have been multiple arrests in Newark following a series of shootings in January 2024. These arrests include both adults and juveniles linked to various incidents of gun violence, according to RLS Media reports.

Overall Violent Crime Arrests

In September 2024 alone, Newark saw 19 arrests for violent crimes, a significant focus of local law enforcement, Newark Public Safety reports.

8. Memphis, TN

Memphis, the birthplace of the blues, is also singing a sad tune with a murder rate of 27.1 per 100k. It’s a city with deep roots in music history but a serious crime issue.

Homicide Count in the First Half of 2024

Within the first 100 days of 2024, Memphis recorded over 100 homicides, as per WREG reports. This rapid increase has prompted city officials to take measures to address the rising crime rate and the rising crime rate in the whole state.

Homicide Decrease in the Second Half of the Year

As of early September 2024, murders in the city have dropped by 21% compared to last year, Daily Memphian reports. Also, by early October 2024, Memphis had recorded 238 homicides.

Gender Breakdown

Fox13 Memphis reports that the number of women killed in Memphis in 2024 has doubled compared to the previous year, with 15 out of the 80 homicides being female victims.

7. Kansas City, MO

Kansas City, famous for its BBQ, also has a murder rate of 31.2 per 100k and a very high crime rate. It’s a tough place where the smell of smoked meat mixes with the harsh reality of crime.

Over 100 Homicides Reported in Kansas City Metro

In 2024, there have been 101 homicides reported in the Kansas City metro area. Of these, 75% occurred in Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas City Star reports.

Efforts to Reduce Homicides

KSHB reported that Kansas City is reintroducing a program called “focused deterrence” to help lower the city’s homicide rate. This program aims to reduce violence through community engagement and targeted interventions.

Clearance Rate

69% of homicides have been cleared or solved in 2024, as per the City of Kansas City, MO.

6. Las Vegas, NV

What happens in Vegas… might not be all fun and games. With a murder rate of 31.4 per 100k, Las Vegas shows that a city known for entertainment can have a very dangerous underbelly and crime rate.

Overall Crime Rate Trends

In 2024, Las Vegas experienced a general trend of decreasing violent crimes. Specifically, the murder rates have shown a decline compared to previous years, Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Total Homicides

As of mid-October 2024, there have been 110 homicides in Las Vegas. This is a notable increase compared to the same period in 2023, where the city had experienced a slightly lower count, according to LVMPD.

However, Clearance Rates Remain Solid…​

According to Nevada Crime Stats, Las Vegas Police continue to solve more than 90% of homicide cases, maintaining a high clearance rate for more than a decade.

Comparison with Other Cities

According to the World Population Review, in a comparison between Las Vegas and other major cities, it has been noted that Las Vegas has a relatively high homicide rate, ranking it among the top cities with significant murder rates in the United States. This ranking puts Las Vegas in the context of cities like New Orleans and Detroit.

5. Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, also boasts a high murder rate of 33.7 per 100k. It’s a city with a lot to offer, but it also has its fair share of problems.

Significant Decrease in Homicides

Overall, murders in Cleveland were down by 37% as of late September 2024 compared to the previous year, according to the City of Cleveland.

Youth Violence Increase

Despite the overall drop in homicides, there has been an increase in youth violence, Cleveland.com reports.

Comparison with Other Cities

While Cleveland saw a drop in homicides, other Ohio cities like Cincinnati and Toledo experienced increases in their homicide rates during the same period, as per Spectrum News.

4. Detroit, MI

Detroit has struggled with crime for years. With a murder rate of 39.7 per 100k, it’s one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. The city’s economic hardships have certainly played a role in this grim statistic.

Homicide Numbers in 2024

The City of Detroit released statistics regarding the homicide and crime numbers for 2024. Some of the statistics are encouraging:

• Homicides decreased by 21% during the summer months of 2024 (Memorial Day to Labor Day), continuing a downward trend in violent crime.
• The year-to-date homicide rate is down by 25.6% in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
• Non-fatal shootings also fell by 24% over the summer months, paralleling the decline in homicides.
• The total number of criminal homicides reported as of September 2024 was 101, compared to 121 in 2023—a reduction of 16.5%.
• Detroit’s crime rate overall is down, with violent crimes showing significant reductions, particularly homicides and shootings, due in part to community interventions and police efforts​.

3. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans, with its jazz and vibrant nightlife, has a dark side, too. The murder rate here is 40.6 per 100k, and the crime rate is very high. The Crescent City might draw you in with its charm, but staying safe should be a priority.

Also Read: New Orleans Crime Rate in 2024

Significant Decrease in Homicides

• Axios reports that in 2024, New Orleans experienced a substantial reduction in its murder rate, with homicides dropping by approximately 40% compared to the previous year.
• The city, which had the nation’s highest homicide rate in 2022, saw one of its biggest turnarounds in 2023 with a 25% drop, continuing the trend into 2024.

Early 2024 Statistics

• As of early March 2024, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) reported 21 homicides, with 20 classified as murders.
• February 2024 saw 11 murders, marking a 42% decrease compared to February 2023 WGNO reports.

Late 2024 Statistics

New Orleans reported 174 homicides as of mid-October 2024, which represents a 19% decrease from the same period in 2023, NOPD News report.

District-Specific Data

According to Metrocrime Crime Bulletin, in 2024, almost half of all homicides occurred in the city’s 5th and 7th districts, which include neighborhoods like the 9th Ward and New Orleans East.

While citywide homicide numbers have decreased, the French Quarter saw a rise in homicides in 2024, with a 5% increase over the previous year.

2. Baltimore, MD

Baltimore comes in second with 51.1 murders per 100k. It’s a city with a lot of history and culture, but sadly, it’s also known for its crime rate. Walking around after dark? Not the best idea.

Homicide Data

WMAR2 News reported that Baltimore recorded 16 homicides and 31 non-fatal shootings in March 2024. The trend shifted slightly as the year progressed.

Homicides in 2024 decreased by 33.8% compared to 2023. According to the Baltimore Police Department, as of July 2024, Baltimore recorded 96 homicides, down from 145 during the same period in 2023. Also, juvenile victims of homicides and non-fatal shootings dropped by 41% in 2024.

Month With Highest Number of Homicides

July 2024 saw the highest number of monthly homicides, with 26 victims. However, July also recorded the lowest number of non-fatal shootings for 2024, as per Baltimore Witness.

1. St. Louis, MO – Murder Capital of US

St. Louis is infamous for its high murder rate, sitting at an alarming 69.4 per 100k people. It’s like the Wild West out there. If you’re thinking of visiting, maybe opt for a virtual tour instead.

Many people die in the US on a daily basis, and in St. Louis, it happens on a significant scale.

Significant Decrease in Homicides

According to STLPR St. Louis has experienced its lowest homicide rate in a decade, attributed to targeted investments in crime prevention, intervention, and enforcement.

Total homicides as of late September 2024

According to Spectrum News, 116 homicides were reported, down from 126 in 2023 and 154 in 2022.

Overall Safety

KSDK reported that St. Louis recorded its safest year in a decade, with three consecutive years of declining homicide totals.

Comparative Data

For comparison, St. Louis had the highest homicide rate among U.S. cities for seven straight years before the recent decline. Sadly, this trend continued.

Homicides by Gender

Out of the victims, at least 156 men and 26 women have been killed in the St. Louis area through mid-September 2024, as per St. Louis Post-Dispatch Graphics.

Contributing Factors to These Grim Statistics

Socio-Economic Conditions

Poverty and lack of opportunities often go hand in hand with higher crime rates. In cities like Detroit and Cleveland, economic decline has left many residents in dire straits, leading to an increase in criminal activities as a means of survival.

Gang Activity

Gang violence remains a significant problem in many urban areas. Cities like Chicago and Baltimore struggle with gang-related crimes, which significantly inflate their murder rates.

Drug Trade

The drug trade fuels a lot of the violence seen in these cities. Las Vegas and New Orleans, for example, see high murder rates partly due to their roles as hubs for illegal drug trafficking.

Systemic Issues

Long-standing systemic issues, such as racism and poor urban planning, contribute to crime in many of these cities. These deep-rooted problems require comprehensive solutions that go beyond law enforcement.

FAQs

Final Words

The high murder rates in U.S. cities reflect complex, multifaceted issues that require equally comprehensive solutions.  While statistics paint a bleak picture, there are efforts underway to address these problems. Understanding the contributing factors and working towards holistic solutions is key to making our cities safer for everyone.

In the end, it’s about more than just numbers; it’s about people’s lives and the communities they call home.

References

• atlantanotguilty.com – Atlanta, GA Crime Rate and Statistics [2024 Updated]
• axios.com – D.C. homicides are declining after last year’s violent crime spike
• washingtonexaminer.com – Capital punishment: DC crime stats in early 2024 could be on track to rebound after deadly 2023
• kron4.com – Here’s what latest data says about Oakland’s crime rates
• wdrb.com – Louisville suffering from violent start to 2024 as March homicides double from a year ago
• wave3.com – Crime statistics show increase in violence, LMPD still short on officers
• fox59.com – Deadly shooting marks 100th homicide of 2024 in Indy
• wrtv.com – Indy surpasses 100 homicides in 2024, on pace for 200-plus homicides for fifth straight year
• kjrh.com – ‘Higher than average’ murders to start 2024, TPD says
• ktul.com – Tulsa Police report solving 95% of homicide cases in 2023, share safety resolutions for 2024
• pittsburghquarterly.com – Murder Rate per 100K Population
• fox6now.com – 2024 Milwaukee crime data; homicides down 39% in 1st quarter of year
• whyy.org – Philly DA predicts record low for violent crime in 2024
• fox19.com – 2023 Cincinnati crime: Record number of teens shootings and vehicle thefts
• chicagotribune.com – Chicago homicides in 2024: 494 people slain. Here’s how that compares with previous years
• patch.com – Double Shooting In Newark Adds To Grim Wave Of Violence
• rlsmedia.com – Multiple Arrests in Newark Following Series of January Shootings
• fox13memphis.com – Number of women killed in Memphis in 2024 so far doubled from last year, data shows
• kansascity.com – Over 100 homicides reported in KC metro so far this year, according to Star data
• reviewjournal.com – The state of crime in Las Vegas: Murders down, auto thefts up 36 percent
• cleveland.com – Homicides in Cleveland dip amid an increase in youth violence, child slayings
• davidleelawfirm.com – Detroit, MI Crime Rates & Statistics [2024 Updated]
• wgno.com – New Orleans Police Department reports decrease in violent crime for early 2024
• thebaltimorebanner.com – Banner analysis: Homicides and shootings are trending further down in 2024
• kdsk.com – St. Louis records safest year in a decade, homicide totals show

Latest Crime Incidents Across America

We keep you informed about what’s happening on the streets and beyond, so you’re always in the know about the country’s current crime happenings.

• November 13th, 2024: nypost.com – Wife of prominent trans writer hacked father to death with ice ax after Trump’s election night victory
• November 13th, 2024: nypost.com – Karen Read prosecutors seek to ‘substantially’ reduce witnesses called to speed up upcoming re-trial
• November 13th, 2024: nypost.com – Boy, 14, stabbed on Staten Island, 13-year-old suspect sought as youth violence engulfs NYC: cops
• November 12th, 2024: the-sun.com – Rapper Jaydes, 18, seen in horrifying mug shot a week after ‘trying to kill woman with box cutter and scissors’
• November 12th, 2024: apnews.com – Indiana man is found guilty of murder in the 2017 killings of 2 teenage girls
• November 10th, 2024: apnews.com – Police in Antigua charge a man with murder in the stabbing death of a politician
• November 7th, 2024: justice.gov – Member Of Violent 764 Terror Network Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison For Sexually Exploiting a Child
• November 7th, 2024: justice.gov – North Carolina Man Admits to Firearms Offense
• November 5th, 2024: nypost.com – Suspect in murder of Georgia mom Minelys Zoe Rodriguez-Ramirez was in the US illegally
• November 5th, 2024: people.com – Texas Man Killed Stepdaughter’s Ex for Threatening to Send Nude Photos of Her
• November 4th, 2024: people.com – Mom and Daughter Killed in Terrifying Home Invasion After Killer Climbed Through Window
• November 2nd, 2024: nypost.com – Texas dad gunned down on Halloween by killer in Michael Myers mask
• November 2nd, 2024: apnews.com – Man who fled prison after being charged with 4 murders pleads guilty to slayings, other crimes
• November 1st, 2024: nypost.com – Boy, 15, hit with murder charge in NYC slaying of teen, 16, that left dad wailing in grief
• November 1st, 2024: apnews.com – Brazil judge gives 2 former cops long sentences for the 2018 murder of leftist icon Marielle Franco
• October 31st, 2024: pagesix.com – Rapper Young Thug accepts surprising plea deal in Georgia’s longest-ever criminal trial
• October 30th, 2024: justice.gov – Felon in Possession Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison Following Shooting at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall
• October 28th, 2024: nypost.com – Buyer of Alex Murdaugh’s murder house claims he’s found evidence proving convicted killer is innocent: ‘I don’t think he killed them’
• October 24th, 2024: wsj.com – District Attorney to Ask Court to Resentence Menendez Brothers