America’s Violent Crime Rate (1986-2023)

Violent Crime Rate in the U.S. from 1986 to 2023

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Crime and policing were key issues in the 2024 election, with candidates differing substantially on the most effective approaches to public safety and justice reform.

Despite some political rhetoric suggesting otherwise, violent crime rates have been on a steady decline in the U.S. over the past several decades, despite recent fluctuations around the COVID-19 pandemic.

This chart visualizes the violent crime rate per 100,000 people in the U.S. from 1986 to 2023. Violent crimes are composed of four offenses: homicide (murder and nonnegligent manslaughter), rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.

Figures come from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and World Bank, and are updated as of Sept. 2024.

Violent Crime in America Has Declined Since the 1990s

Below, we show the violent crime rate per 100,000 people from 1986 to 2023.

The violent crime rate in the U.S. has generally declined since its peak in the early 1990s, reaching its highest point in 1991 at 721 violent offenses per 100,000 people under George H. W. Bush, before starting to decrease steadily throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

The most substantial decline occurred during Bill Clinton’s presidency (1993-2000). The violent crime rate dropped from 692 in 1993 to 473 in 2000, reflecting the longest consistent period of decline.

After reaching a historic low in 2021 during the pandemic, violent crime rates saw an uptick in 2022, before decreasing by about 4% in 2023.

According to a report from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, violent crime has dropped by 6% in 69 major cities compared to last year.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

To learn more about violent crime in America, check out this graphic that shows the violent crime rate by state.