America’s Murder Capitals – Updated 2026 Rankings of the Deadliest Cities in the US

As of the newest comparable city-level data available in 2026, Jackson, Mississippi, is the strongest candidate for America’s current “murder capital” by homicide rate, with an estimated 53.02 homicides per 100,000 residents in the Clarion Ledger report.

At the national level, the clearest recent benchmark comes from the FBI’s crime summary: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter decreased an estimated 14.9% from 2023 to 2024 in the United States.

That combination matters. A national decline in homicide does not erase sharp local differences. Some cities remain far above the national pattern, especially when measured per capita rather than by total number of killings.

In this article, I will break down the latest available statistics, compare homicide rates across major U.S. cities, and explain how “deadliest city” rankings are built so the 2026 picture is accurate, comparable, and data-driven. Let’s begin.

20. Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia belongs in any serious 2026 discussion of U.S. homicide trends, but for a different reason than many readers expect.

According to the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD), the city recorded 222 homicides in 2025 (full year), down from 269 in 2024 and far below the 2021 peak shown on the same PPD historical series.

Using the newest clearly available citywide homicide count (PPD) and the latest published Census QuickFacts population estimate for Philadelphia (1,573,916, July 1, 2024), the estimated homicide rate is about 14.10 per 100,000 residents.

What the Number Means

When I say 14.10 per 100,000, I mean:

• If Philadelphia had exactly 100,000 residents, the city would have had about 14 homicides at the same rate.
• It is a population-adjusted rate, which makes city-to-city comparisons more meaningful than raw totals alone.
• Murder rate is often used conversationally, while official dashboards and agencies frequently report homicides (which can involve different legal classifications depending on the source).

Latest Philadelphia Figures

PPD also notes that figures are based on preliminary Philadelphia Police Department crime data and are subject to reclassification.

2026 Early-Year Snapshot (Not a Full-Year Rate)

According to PPD’s year-to-date dashboard entry captured on its crime statistics page, Philadelphia showed:

• 11 homicides as of 02/03/2026
• compared with 21 over the comparable year-to-date period in 2025
• shown as -47.62% YTD on the PPD page

That is useful for trend tracking, but it is not a full-year homicide rate and should not be treated as a final 2026 ranking figure.

Estimated Philadelphia Homicide Rate

According to the PPD, Philadelphia had 222 homicides in 2025. According to U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Philadelphia’s latest published population estimate shown in the result is 1,573,916 (July 1, 2024). Using that denominator:

• Estimated rate = (222 / 1,573,916) × 100,000
• Estimated homicide rate ≈ 14.10 per 100,000 residents

19. Indianapolis, IN

For Indianapolis, Indiana, the newest credible reporting available in early 2026 shows a clear split between:

• 2024 homicide rate (cross-city comparison dataset): 23.8 per 100,000
• 2025 murders reported by IMPD (local reporting): 133 killings, which is an estimated murder rate of about 14.9 per 100,000 when using the latest available U.S. Census city population estimate (2024) as the denominator

According to WFYI, citing IMPD year-end figures, Indianapolis recorded 133 murders in 2025.

According to the U.S. Census QuickFacts page for Indianapolis city (balance), the latest available population estimate shown is 891,484 (July 1, 2024), while the 2025 estimate is listed as NA on that page.

Using those figures, the estimated 2025 murder rate is 14.9 per 100,000 (133 ÷ 891,484 × 100,000).

2025 Local Murder Count in Indianapolis (Reported in Late 2025)

According to WFYI (Indianapolis public media), IMPD said:

• Indianapolis recorded 133 murders in 2025
• The city had 241 murders in 2021 (record year referenced in the article)
• The 2025 total represented a nearly 45% decrease from that 2021 level

That is the most current Indianapolis-specific murder figure I found that is publicly reported and tied to IMPD statements in a reputable local outlet as of early March 2026.

Indianapolis Homicide Rate

According to the RIT Center for Public Safety Initiatives (2024 Homicide Statistics for 24 U.S. Cities):

• Indianapolis, IN had 209 homicides in 2024
• Estimated population used in that study: 876,665
• 2024 homicide rate: 23.8 per 100,000
• Year-over-year rate change from 2023 to 2024: +24.0%

The same RIT report also notes an important methodology limitation: its 2024 homicide counts were compiled from local news outlets and agency websites, not yet from final FBI UCR city releases, and small discrepancies may appear later.

Estimated 2025 Murder Rate

According to the U.S. Census QuickFacts page, the 2025 population estimate is not available (NA) on the page, while 2024 is available, so the 2024 estimate is the best transparent denominator for a provisional 2025 rate.

According to WFYI’s report I mentioned, the numerator is 133 murders.

The resulting estimate is 14.9189, which rounds to 14.9 per 100,000.

18. Chicago, IL

For a 2026-style ranking, the newest fully comparable annual city-level homicide rate I found for Chicago is 2024. The newest trend data extends into 2025 (partial-year and end-of-year analyses from high-profile research groups using Chicago city data).

According to the Center for Public Safety Initiatives (RIT), Chicago recorded 573 homicides in 2024, with a homicide rate of 21.7 per 100,000 residents (population estimate: 2,638,159).

Chicago Homicide Rate (Annual)

• Homicides (count): 573
• Homicide rate: 21.7 per 100,000 residents
• Population estimate used: 2,638,159
• Year-over-year rate change (vs. 2023): +16% (in the RIT comparison table)

RIT’s Center for Public Safety Initiatives reports those figures in its 2024 Homicide Statistics for 24 U.S. Cities working paper.

Comparison with Chicago’s Prior Year (2023)

RIT also lists Chicago at:

• 499 homicides in 2023
• 7 per 100,000 in 2023

That puts Chicago’s 2024 homicide rate above its 2023 level in that dataset.

Newest Chicago Trend Data (2025, Not Final Official Annual Citywide Rate)

If you want the newest available movement heading into 2026, the strongest signal comes from Chicago-based and national crime trend tracking.

University of Chicago Crime Lab (2025 End-of-Year Analysis)

The University of Chicago Crime Lab, citing the City of Chicago Violence Reduction Dashboard and the Chicago Data Portal, reports that Chicago had 168 fewer homicides in 2025 compared with 2024 in its year-end comparison window (through mid-December), a 30% reduction.

It also shows:

• 2024 homicides (through Dec. 12 comparison window): 565
• 2025 homicides (through Dec. 12 comparison window): 397

Crime Lab also includes a long-run chart labeled “Homicides per 100,000 residents, 1930–2025”, noting that the 2025 point is based on data through mid-December, while prior years include full-year values.

Council on Criminal Justice (Mid-Year 2025 Trend)

The Council on Criminal Justice reports that, in the first half of 2025, Chicago’s homicide rate was 33% lower than in the same period in 2024. CCJ also says the decline was about twice the average decrease seen in the large-city sample it analyzed.

CCJ further reports:

• June 2025: 36 reported homicides (1.3 per 100,000 residents) in Chicago
• A substantial decline from the pandemic-era monthly peaks in 2020 and 2021

17. Rochester, NY

According to RIT’s 2024 multi-city homicide comparison, Rochester recorded 37 homicides in 2024 with a homicide rate of 18.0 per 100,000 residents (population estimate: 206,078).

WXXI News reports that the Rochester Police Department recorded 36 homicides in 2025, which was 11 fewer than 2024, and noted that homicides have fallen each year since Rochester’s 2021 peak.

Rochester Homicide Rate (Annual)

• Homicides (count): 37
• Homicide rate: 18.0 per 100,000 residents
• Population estimate used: 206,078
• Rate change vs. 2023: -20.7% (RIT table)

Comparison with Rochester’s Prior Year (2023)

According to the same RIT table:

• 2023 homicides: 47
• 2023 homicide rate: 22.7 per 100,000

That shows a clear decline in Rochester’s annual homicide rate in the newest comparable cross-city dataset.

2025 Local Reporting Based on Rochester Police Department Totals

WXXI News reports that:

• RPD recorded 36 homicides in 2025
• That was down 11 from 2024
• Rochester homicides have declined each year since the 2021 peak of 85

WXXI also reports that 24 people were shot to death in Rochester in 2025, while total people shot in the city fell to 162.

Rochester, NY at a Glance

16. Atlanta, GA

According to RIT’s 2024 comparison, Atlanta recorded 127 homicides in 2024, with a homicide rate of 24.7 per 100,000 residents (population estimate: 514,465).

The Atlanta Police Department’s 2024 year-end COBRA report also shows 126 homicides in 2024, down from 137 the prior year in that report’s citywide summary.

Differences of 1 homicide between sources can happen because of timing, classifications, and data updates.

Atlanta Homicide Rate (Annual)

• Homicides (count): 127
• Homicide rate: 24.7 per 100,000 residents
• Population estimate used: 514,465
• Rate change vs. 2023: -4.3%

RIT reports those values in its 2024 homicide statistics working paper.

Atlanta Police Department Year-End Citywide Count (2024)

According to the APD COBRA Report Year End 2024 Citywide:

• Homicide: 126
• Previous year: 137
• Percent change: -8%

APD’s year-end report is a useful city source for local trend framing, while RIT is better for cross-city rate comparison.

Newest Atlanta Trend Data (2025, Preliminary / Partial)

The Major Cities Chiefs Association reports for Atlanta GA Police in its first-quarter 2025 survey:

• Homicide: 23 (Q1 2025)
• Homicide: 26 (Q1 2024)

Important: MCCA notes the survey is preliminary and not a final UCR/NIBRS report.

15. Washington, DC

According to RIT’s 2024 city comparison, Washington, DC recorded 186 homicides in 2024, with a homicide rate of 27.3 per 100,000 residents.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Crime Data, DC’s 2025 year-end homicide total was 127, down from 187 in 2024, a -32% change.

MPD also shows a 2026 year-to-date homicide comparison (as of March 4, 2026) of 10 vs. 27 for the same period in 2025, a -63% change, while noting the figures are preliminary and based on DC Code offense definitions.

Washington, DC Homicide Rate (Annual)

• Homicides (count): 186
• Homicide rate: 27.3 per 100,000 residents
• Population estimate used: 681,683
• Rate change vs. 2023: -30.7% (RIT table)

Comparison with DC’s Prior Year (2023)

According to the RIT table:

• 2023 homicides: 265
• 2023 homicide rate: 39.4 per 100,000

That shows a major drop in DC’s annual homicide rate from 2023 to 2024 in the RIT dataset.

MPD 2025 Year-End Crime Data

The MPD Crime Data page shows:

• Homicide: 187 (2024)
• Homicide: 127 (2025)
• Percent change: -32%

MPD labels the 2025 year-end data as accurate as of January 1, 2026.

MPD 2026 Year-to-Date Comparison

MPD also reports:

• Homicide: 27 (same period in 2025)
• Homicide: 10 (2026 YTD)
• Percent change: -63%

MPD notes that the YTD figures are preliminary and based on DC Code offense definitions, not Part I crime totals as reported to the FBI’s NIBRS.

Longer Trend Context

MPD’s 20-year homicide trend list shows:

• 2023: 274
• 2024: 187
• 2025: 127

That supports the recent downward trend in DC homicides before and into 2026.

14. Louisville, KY

 

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WDRB reports, using FBI 2024 data, that Louisville ranked 15th nationally for homicide rate among cities over 100,000 population, and that “for every 100,000 people in Louisville, 22 die by homicide” in 2024.

WDRB also reports that Louisville had 142 homicides in 2024 and says the city had 82 homicides at that point in 2025, a 27% drop from the same time in 2024.

For the newest full-year trend context, WAVE 3 reports that 116 people died in Louisville in 2025, which was 18.3% fewer than in 2024, citing the Louisville Metro Gun Violence Dashboard.

Louisville Homicide Rate (2024)

• Homicide rate: 22 per 100,000 residents
• Homicide count: 142 (WDRB reporting)
• National rank context: 15th among cities over 100,000 population

According to WDRB, Louisville’s 2024 homicide rate exceeded Chicago’s and Los Angeles’ on a per-capita basis in the FBI dataset used for the report.

Newest Louisville Trend Data (2025)

WAVE 3 reports that Louisville ended 2025 with:

• 116 homicides
• 3% fewer than 2024
• A continued decline from recent peak-era levels, though still above 2019

13. Little Rock, AR

According to KATV’s January 2026 reporting, Little Rock had 37 homicides in 2024, and city reporting showed homicides were up 16% in 2025.

KATV also reports that an LRPD spokesman said 2025 had 44 homicides, with 6 still under prosecutorial review.

The Council on Criminal Justice also identified Little Rock as the city with the largest homicide increase (+16%) from 2024 to 2025 in its year-end 2025 city trends report.

Little Rock Homicide Count and Estimated Rate (2024)

• Homicides (count): 37
• Population estimate (July 1, 2024): 204,774
• Estimated homicide rate (calculated): ~18.1 per 100,000

Calculation:

• 37 ÷ 204,774 × 100,000 = 07, which rounds to 18.1 per 100,000

2025 Year-End Trend

KATV reports:

• Homicides were up 16% from 2024
• 2024 had 37 homicides
• LRPD spokesperson Mark Edwards said 2025 had 44 homicides, with 6 under review by the prosecuting attorney

That is an important caveat because final classification can change after review.

2025 Trend Confirmation (National Crime Tracker)

The Council on Criminal Justice’s year-end 2025 report states that Little Rock experienced the largest increase in homicides (+16%) among the 35 cities tracked.

12. Cincinnati, OH

According to the Cincinnati Police Department’s 2024 Annual Statistical Review presentation, Cincinnati recorded 72 homicides in 2024 and listed a city population of 311,097. That yields an estimated 2024 homicide rate of about 23.1 per 100,000.

For 2025, Spectrum News 1 reports, citing Cincinnati’s Reported Crime dashboard, that the city saw 61 homicides in 2025, down from 65 in 2024 in that dashboard view.

Cincinnati Homicide Count and Estimated Rate (CPD Annual Review Basis)

From the Cincinnati Police Department 2024 Annual Statistical Review:

• Homicides (count): 72
• Population: 311,097

Estimated homicide rate:

• 72 ÷ 311,097 × 100,000 = 14
• Rounded rate: 1 per 100,000

CPD’s annual review also shows Cincinnati’s homicide count was up 1.4% in 2024 versus 2023 (72 vs. 71) in that presentation.

2025 City Dashboard Reporting

Spectrum News 1 reports, citing the City of Cincinnati’s Reported Crime dashboard:

• 61 homicides in 2025
• 65 homicides in 2024
• Broader crime reports also declined from 24,349 to 23,424

Spectrum also notes the dashboard uses STARS categories and distinguishes Part 1 and Part 2 reporting structures.

Why Cincinnati Totals Can Differ Across Sources

You may notice a difference between:

• CPD 2024 Annual Statistical Review: 72 homicides in 2024, and
• Spectrum / Reported Crime dashboard comparison: 65 homicides in 2024

That difference should be labeled, not hidden. It likely reflects differences in:

• The dataset used (annual police statistical review vs dashboard category framework),
• Offense coding rules,
• Reporting cutoffs or revisions.

Spectrum specifically notes the city dashboard’s STARS-based organization and definitions.

11. Baltimore, MD

According to the Baltimore Police Department’s 2025 year-end report, Baltimore recorded 133 homicides in 2025, down 31% from 194 in 2024 after the department’s NIBRS-related counting update.

Using the U.S. Census QuickFacts 2024 population estimate of 568,271, that puts Baltimore’s estimated 2024 homicide rate at about 34.1 per 100,000 (based on the revised 194 count), and its estimated 2025 homicide rate at about 23.4 per 100,000 (using the same population base for a rough comparison).

Baltimore Homicide Count and Estimated Rate (Revised 2024 Basis)

• Homicides (count): 194 (as shown in BPD’s 2025 year-end comparison line, after reporting updates)
• Population estimate (2024): 568,271
• Estimated homicide rate: 1 per 100,000

BPD’s 2025 year-end release explicitly states homicides fell 31% (133 v. 194) and notes that prior-year figures reflect updates to historical homicide counting under NIBRS.

Important Source Difference for 2024

BPD’s January 1, 2025, year-end report previously reported 201 homicides in 2024 and described that as a 23% drop from 261 in 2023. Later, BPD announced adjustments to historical homicide reporting and updated counts.

For your blog, the cleaner approach is:

• Use 194 for 2024 when pairing with the 2025 BPD year-end comparison
• Add a note that Baltimore revised historical homicide counting rules in late 2025

Latest Baltimore Trend Data (2025)

According to BPD’s 2025 year-end release:

• Homicides: 133
• 2024 comparison: 194
• Change: -31%
• Non-fatal shootings: 311 vs. 412 (-24%)

BPD also notes the figures are tied to NIBRS-aligned reporting practices and that some numbers may vary slightly as reports are finalized.

10. Milwaukee, WI

Wisconsin Public Radio reports, citing Milwaukee Police Department crime data, that Milwaukee recorded 142 homicides in 2025, up from 132 in 2024, an 8% increase.

Using the U.S. Census QuickFacts 2024 population estimate of 563,531, Milwaukee’s estimated homicide rate is about:

• 4 per 100,000 in 2024 (132 homicides)
• 2 per 100,000 in 2025 (142 homicides, estimated using the same 2024 population for comparability)

Milwaukee Homicide Count and Estimated Rate (2024)

• Homicides (count): 132
• Population estimate (2024): 563,531
• Estimated homicide rate: 4 per 100,000

2025 Year-End Local Reporting Based on MPD Data

According to WPR:

• 2025 homicides: 142
• 2024 homicides: 132
• Change: +8%

CBS 58 also reports that Milwaukee Police released a 2025 year-end review and says homicides were up 8%, while other major crime categories generally declined.

Why This Matters for the Rankings

Milwaukee’s 2025 trend goes against the broader decline seen in many large-city homicide datasets in 2025, which makes it a notable case in a 2026 “murder capitals” analysis.

WPR explicitly frames Milwaukee’s increase against that national pattern.

9. Detroit, MI

According to the City of Detroit’s January 2026 year-end announcement, Detroit recorded 165 criminal homicides in 2025, down 19% from 203 in 2024 (preliminary year-end figures).

Using Census QuickFacts’ 2024 population estimate of 645,705, Detroit’s estimated 2025 homicide rate is about 25.6 per 100,000.

Detroit Homicide Rate (Annual, Cross-City Comparable)

According to RIT’s 2024 city comparison:

• Homicides (count): 203
• Homicide rate: 32.1 per 100,000
• 2024 population estimate used in RIT table: 631,524
• Rate change vs. 2023: -18.3%

RIT’s table is especially useful for ranking work because it uses the same metric across cities and ranks them by 2024 homicide rate.

Latest Detroit Trend Data (2025, Official City Year-End Release)

The City of Detroit reports:

• 2025 criminal homicides: 165
• 2024 homicides: 203
• Change: -19%
• 2023 homicides: 252

The city also notes that Detroit follows Michigan State Police and FBI standards for annual reporting and that official 2025 numbers may change slightly as investigations conclude.

AP News separately reports Detroit’s 2025 homicide total at 165, down from 203 in 2024, and notes Detroit’s rate was approximately 25 per 100,000 in 2025 and about 32 per 100,000 in 2024.

8. Kansas City, MO

According to the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department (KCPD) final daily homicide analysis sheets, the city recorded 144 homicides in 2024 and 138 homicides in 2025. The 2025 KCPD press release also states homicides fell by 5% year over year.

Using the U.S. Census QuickFacts 2024 population estimate of 516,032, Kansas City’s estimated homicide rate was about 27.9 per 100,000 in 2024 and 26.7 per 100,000 in 2025 (using the same population base for rough comparability).

Kansas City Homicide Count and Estimated Rate (2024)

• Homicides (count): 144
• Population estimate (2024): 516,032
• Estimated homicide rate: 9 per 100,000

2025 Year-End KCPD Update

According to KCPD:

• 2025 homicides: 138
• 2024 homicides (comparison on 2025 final sheet): 145
• KCPD press release summary: homicides fell by 5% in 2025 vs 2024, and 2025 was the city’s lowest homicide total since 2018.

7. Memphis, TN

According to Action News 5, citing the City of Memphis Safer Communities Dashboard, Memphis had 249 homicides in 2024 and 184 in 2025. Action News 5 also reports the city said serious crime hit a 25-year low in 2025.

Separately, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) said 2025 saw a 26% decrease in murders and that Memphis recorded fewer than 200 murders/homicides, the first time below that mark since 2019.

Using the U.S. Census QuickFacts 2024 population estimate of 610,919, the estimated homicide rate is about 40.8 per 100,000 for 2024 and 30.1 per 100,000 for 2025 (using the same population base for comparability).

Memphis Homicide Count and Estimated Rate (2024)

• Homicides (count): 249
• Population estimate (2024): 610,919
• Estimated homicide rate: 8 per 100,000

2025 City Total and MPD Trend Statements

Action News 5 reports, citing the city dashboard:

• 2025 homicides: 184
• 2024 homicides: 249

MPD and local coverage also report that in 2025:

• Murders were down 26%
• Memphis recorded fewer than 200 homicides, the first time below that threshold since 2019.

6. Baton Rouge, LA

According to WBRZ, citing Baton Rouge Police Department statistics, Baton Rouge had 84 murders in 2024 (year-end total), and as of December 19, 2025 the city had 70 murders for 2025 so far, down from 80 at the same point in 2024.

WAFB also reports BRPD said homicides decreased 15% and shootings decreased 20% as 2025 ended.

Using the U.S. Census QuickFacts 2024 population estimate of 220,907, Baton Rouge’s estimated 2024 city murder/homicide rate based on the WBRZ city count is about 38.0 per 100,000.

Baton Rouge City Count and Estimated Rate (2024)

• Murders (count): 84
• Population estimate (2024): 220,907
• Estimated city rate: 0 per 100,000

City of Baton Rouge Trend

WBRZ reports, as of December 19, 2025:

• 70 murders in 2025 so far
• 80 murders at the same point in 2024
• 2024 closed with 84 murders

WAFB reports near year-end that BRPD said:

• Homicides decreased 15%
• Shootings decreased 20% in the same period comparison.

Parish Context

The East Baton Rouge Coroner’s office lists:

• 2025 EBR Parish homicides: 106 (others pending)
• 2024 EBR Parish homicides: 125
• 2026 EBR Parish homicides through March 2, 2026: 20

5. Cleveland, OH

According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) year-end 2025 survey, Cleveland Police reported 108 homicides in 2025, down from 122 in 2024. Axios Cleveland also reports the same decline and frames it as an 11.5% decrease.

Using the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts 2024 population estimate of 365,379, Cleveland’s estimated homicide rate was about 33.4 per 100,000 in 2024 and 29.6 per 100,000 in 2025 (using the same population base for comparability).

Cleveland Homicide Count and Estimated Rate (2024)

• Homicides (count): 122
• Population estimate (2024): 365,379
• Estimated homicide rate: 4 per 100,000

Newest Cleveland Trend Data (2025)

Axios Cleveland reports that:

• Cleveland homicides dropped from 122 in 2024 to 108 in 2025
• That equals an 5% decrease
• The report relies on the Major Cities Chiefs Association year-end data for agency totals

Axios also notes the broader MCCA pattern, with major violent-crime categories declining across responding agencies in 2025.

4. New Orleans, LA

According to the MCCA year-end 2025 survey, New Orleans Police reported 121 homicides in 2025, down from 125 in 2024.

Fox 8 New Orleans also reports 121 murders in 2025, and says NOPD described that as a 3% drop from 2024.

Using the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts 2024 population estimate of 362,701, New Orleans’ estimated homicide rate was about 34.5 per 100,000 in 2024 and 33.4 per 100,000 in 2025 (using the same population base for comparability).

New Orleans Homicide Count and Estimated Rate (2024)

• Homicides (count): 125
• Population estimate (2024): 362,701
• Estimated homicide rate: 5 per 100,000

2025 Year-End NOPD Reporting

Fox 8 reports that NOPD said:

• Murder was down 3% in 2025 compared to 2024
• NOPD investigated 121 murders in 2025
• In a 3-year comparison, NOPD noted 266 murders in 2022 versus 121 in 2025 (a 55% reduction)

Fox 8 also reports NOPD said the 2025 figure included the 14 people killed in the Bourbon Street terror attack in its murder count discussion.

3. Birmingham, AL

WBRC reports that Birmingham recorded 86 homicides in 2025, down from 152 in 2024, and says city leaders highlighted an 87% clearance rate for 2025 homicides.

The Birmingham Times, citing AL.com reporting and local officials, reports 88 homicides in 2025 and also notes that only chargeable homicides are reported to the FBI for statistical review, stating that for 2025, that would be 72.

Using the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts 2024 population estimate of 196,357, Birmingham’s estimated homicide rate based on 152 homicides in 2024 is about 77.4 per 100,000.

Using the WBRC figure, the estimated 2025 rate is about 43.8 per 100,000 (or 44.8 per 100,000 if using the Birmingham Times 88 count).

Birmingham Homicide Count and Estimated Rate (2024)

• Homicides (count): 152
• Population estimate (2024): 196,357
• Estimated homicide rate: 4 per 100,000

2025 Year-End Trend (WBRC)

WBRC reports:

• 2025 homicides: 86
• 2024 homicides: 152
• Police solved 87% of 2025 homicides, according to Mayor Randall Woodfin’s remarks cited in the story

Alternative 2025 Tally

The Birmingham Times reports:

• 2025 homicides: 88
• 2024 homicides: 152
• A 44% drop in the city’s homicide reduction rate at year-end
• A note that chargeable homicides reported to the FBI for 2025 would be 72

Why Totals Differ

The Birmingham Times explains that some cases in the local homicide tally included:

• police killings,
• accidental homicides,
• justified homicides,
  which helps explain why local totals can differ from FBI-reportable figures.

2. St. Louis, MO

St. Louis remains one of the highest-homicide-rate large U.S. cities in the newest published comparisons.

In a 2024 cross-city analysis by RIT’s Center for Public Safety Initiatives, St. Louis recorded 54.4 homicides per 100,000 residents, which the report identifies as the highest rate in its 24-city sample.

Latest St. Louis Homicide Numbers (2026 Year-to-Date)

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) publishes a 2026 Homicide Analysis PDF (updated daily). In the version dated March 4, 2026, SLMPD reports:

• 2026 homicides: 14 (year-to-date)
• Cleared homicides: 20
• Clearance rate: 143% (higher than 100% because clearances can include prior-year cases)
• The report also shows historical totals for recent years: 2025: 141, 2024: 151, 2023: 160, 2022: 200.

Important Note on What SLMPD Is Counting

SLMPD’s homicide report states that homicides determined to be justifiable are not included in the total count.

Most Recent Full-Year Homicide Count (St. Louis City)

SLMPD’s January 2026 year-end crime update states that in 2025, homicides in St. Louis declined to 141 incidents. The same release also says overall Part I crime declined 16% compared with 2024.

2024 Cross-City Homicide Rate

RIT Center for Public Safety Initiatives reports:

• Louis homicide rate (2024): 54.4 per 100,000 residents
• It describes St. Louis as having the highest homicide rate in its 24-city sample for 2024.

2025 Estimated Rate

Using:

• 141 homicides in 2025
• Louis population estimate (July 1, 2024): 279,695

Estimated 2025 homicide rate (approximate):

• 41 per 100,000 residents (141 / 279,695 × 100,000)

1. Jackson, MS – Murder Capital of the U.S.

 

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For Jackson, Mississippi, the newest widely cited city-level figure available in early 2026 is a 2025 homicide rate of 53.03 per 100,000 residents, based on 75 homicides in 2025 in a WLBT analysis of major U.S. cities.

WLBT reports Jackson remained the highest per-capita homicide rate among the 50+ cities it analyzed for 2025.

2025 Homicide Rate

• Homicides (2025): 75
• Homicide rate (2025): 53.03 per 100,000
• Status in WLBT’s 2025 city comparison: Ranked #1 (highest per-capita homicide rate in their 50+ city analysis)

WLBT also notes that Jackson recorded a 32% decrease in homicides from 2024 to 2025 (from 111 to 75), while still remaining extremely high on a per-capita basis.

2024 Benchmark

WLBT reported that Jackson closed 2024 with 111 homicides and listed a 2024 homicide rate of 77.24 per 100,000 in its prior year comparison.

That gives you a clear recent trend:

• 2024: 111 homicides, 24 per 100,000 (WLBT analysis)
• 2025: 75 homicides, 03 per 100,000 (WLBT analysis)

Homicide Rate per 100,000 Residents

A rate such as 53.03 per 100,000 means that, for every 100,000 residents, about 53 people were killed in a year.

It is the standard way to compare cities of different sizes, because raw counts alone can be misleading.

WLBT explicitly explains that larger cities can have more homicides in total but still a lower per-capita rate.

Supporting Population Context

The U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts page for Jackson shows a July 1, 2024 population estimate of 141,449 (the latest city estimate visible in the QuickFacts result shown).

That population context helps explain why Jackson’s per-capita homicide rate remains very high even when total killings decline.

FAQs

How I Ranked These Cities

• I defined the core metric upfront: annual homicide rate per 100,000 residents, because it is the cleanest way to compare cities of different sizes.
• I used full-year homicide totals whenever available, and I treated year-to-date dashboards as trend-only, not as final annual rates.
• I prioritized primary sources first: city police department dashboards, annual reports, and official city public safety releases.
• I used the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts city population estimates as the population denominator when I needed a transparent, consistent population figure.
• I calculated every rate the same way: (annual homicides ÷ population) × 100,000, then rounded consistently for readability.
• I separated “cross-city comparable” datasets from “local city reporting” and labeled them clearly when they were not built from the same reporting pipeline.
• I recorded the exact year tied to each number and avoided mixing years inside the same ranking without stating it explicitly.
• I flagged known counting and classification issues when agencies warned that numbers were preliminary, subject to reclassification, or affected by reporting rule changes.
• I treated methodological notes from research groups as part of the evidence, not footnotes, especially when their counts were compiled from agency sites or news logs.
• I avoided using raw homicide totals as proof of “deadliest” status, because totals alone reward population size and distort comparisons.
• I kept the ranking logic consistent: the table reflects a single rate per city, and any extra trend context is presented as supporting detail, not ranking input.
• I cross-checked any surprising figure against at least one additional reputable reference point, usually an agency report, a major research group, or a well sourced local outlet citing official police totals.
• I documented source boundaries: if a city’s 2025 population estimate was not published, I used the latest published estimate and stated that choice.
• I included explicit math steps in the narrative when I derived a rate from a count and a population, so readers can replicate the calculation.
• I did not infer causation from the numbers, I limited claims to what the data actually supports: levels, direction of change, and comparability limits.

Summary

Homicide rates across U.S. cities remain highly uneven in the newest data available heading into 2026. National trends show a meaningful decline in killings since the pandemic-era peak, yet several cities still record rates far above the national pattern when measured per capita.

Using the most transparent and comparable figures available from police departments, research groups, and Census population estimates, the ranking shows how different urban areas currently stack up.

Jackson, Mississippi, remains the strongest candidate for the highest homicide rate among major U.S. cities, followed by St. Louis and Birmingham, while cities such as Philadelphia and Indianapolis sit much lower in the comparison.

Looking at homicide through a rate per 100,000 residents helps cut through raw totals and population size, making the differences between cities clearer. The numbers also show something important for 2026: even with encouraging declines in many places, violent crime trends still vary widely from city to city.