Homicide Statistics US: Homicide Rates in the U.S.

Dec 23

Have you ever imagined streets haunted by fear, communities shattered by grief, and families living in the constant grip of anxiety in the U.S.? This is the reality for numerous U.S. cities that are under the weight of skyrocketing homicide rates because of poverty, drug abuse, and other systemic issues.

As the FBI's 2013 report on violent crime confirms, this isn't an isolated issue; It trapped numerous communities in a cycle of violence, with lives cut tragically short every day. From those killed in such tragic incidents to their grieving friends and family and all others who live their lives in fear of homicide, no one is safe from the devastating impact of violence. These statistics show that this human tragedy demands urgent action. It is necessary to find the root causes of this violence so we can break the cycle of fear and rebuild the safety and security that every community deserves. This article explores the complex landscape of U.S. homicide statistics, offering insights into who is impacted, what drives this violence, and how we can move forward.

Homicide - Murder vs Manslaughter

Homicide is a big term that covers both murder and manslaughter, and these terms differ significantly in intent and legal consequences. According to the definition, murder involves premeditated killing, and manslaughter occurs without grudge, malice, or forethought. However, manslaughter has two categories, either voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary covers provoked killing from heated situations, while unintentional death by negligence or recklessness, like drunk driving, falls into involuntary manslaughter.

Like all other crimes, there are penalties for these two crimes. However, manslaughter typically draws lighter sentences than murder. But the impact these two causes on a person's life is devastating, which completely ruins their lives, especially in cases involving criminal negligence.

U.S. National Trends

Since the 1990s, the U.S. homicide rate has significantly decreased, but the number isn't neglected. In 2022, an estimated 21,156 cases of murder and non-negligent manslaughter were reported, translating to a rate of 6.3 deaths per 100,000 population (CDC, 2023). While the overall homicide rate decreased in 2022, there was a concerning increase between 2020 and 2021. Moreover, the U.S. homicide rate remains significantly higher than that of many other developed nations (World Bank, 2023).

Regional Disparities & Urban vs. Rural Crime Rate

At the regional level, states like Louisiana, Missouri, and Mississippi have homicide rates several times higher than the average, while Vermont and New Hampshire enjoy some of the lowest (CDC, 2023). This is mainly because of socioeconomic disparities, gun laws, and historical violence patterns.

Another problem is the difference in homicide rates between urban and rural areas. According to the Urban Institute (2023), homicide rates in large metropolitan areas are often four times higher than those in rural areas. In urban settings, the rate is higher because of concentrated poverty, higher rates of firearm ownership, and greater gang activities. However, rural areas are not immune to violence; homicide occurs due to factors like domestic violence and limited access to resources.

U.S. Cities With Worst Violent Crime Rates

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given the following data of 10 U.S. states that have the highest homicide mortality rates for the year 2021.

 
    States
    Death Rate per 100,000 people 
    Total Homicide
  
    Mississippi
    23.7
    656
  
    Louisiana
    21.3
    943
  
    Alabama
    15.9
    748
  
    New Mexico
    15.3
    306
  
    South Carolina
    13.4
    656
  
    Missouri
    12.4
    716
  
    Illinois
    12.3
    1487
  
    Tennessee
    12.2
    810
  
    Maryland
    12.2
    709
  
    Arkansas
    11.7
    335

Causes and Catalysts of Homicide In the US

 
    Category
    Cause/Catalyst
    Estimated Share of Homicides
    Facts & Notes
  
    Individual Factors
    Gun Violence

    79.40%
     Leading cause of homicide, particularly in firearm homicides among youth and young adults.
  
    Mental Illness
    20.60%
    Significant association with homicide, particularly in cases involving self-harm and suicide by cop.
  
    Substance Abuse
    24.80%
    Drugs and alcohol often play a role in homicide, both as intoxicants and as factors in conflict escalation.
  
    Domestic Violence
    52.20%
    Women are disproportionately affected, often killed by partners.
  
    Social Factors
    Poverty and Inequality
    38.40%
    Strong correlation between socioeconomic disadvantage and homicide rates.
  
    Racial & Ethnic Disparities
    23.80%
    Black Americans experience disproportionately higher homicide rates compared to other races/ethnicities.%  
  
    Gang Violence
    27.30%
    Gang affiliation and activity significantly increase homicide risk, particularly among young men.
  
    Urbanization and Community Context
    19.20%
    Higher rates in densely populated areas with concentrated poverty and limited resources.
  
    Situational Factors
    Arguments and Disputes
    34.70%
    Frequently trigger homicide, often fueled by anger, alcohol, or mental health issues.
  
    Robbery and Theft
    24.20%
    Financial motives or resistance during a robbery can escalate into deadly violence.  
  
    Intimate Partner Violence
    41.70%
    Domestic violence often increases rapidly to homicide, disproportionately affecting women.

Note: These percentages may vary slightly due to rounding and overlapping factors.

What Should You Do After A Homicide?

Homicide is painful and shatters a person completely, and cleaning up after a crime is even more distressing for the murdered family members. It’s a risk-taking task because hazardous waste and decomposed material contain too much harmful material that can cause many human diseases if the crime scene isn’t properly cleaned.

Proper cleaning means a professional approach like the one offered by 911 Bio & Trauma Cleaners. Professional cleanup covers a properly trained and experienced team with all the necessary tools and safety gear.

Due to tools and safety measures, it is not recommended that homicide family members clean themselves. To clean and make the crime scene safe and liveable, it needs a proper homicide cleanup which includes blood, odor, and sometimes vehicle cleaning if the homicide is committed inside it.

Our team has 15 years of experience in various cleanup services, from natural death cleanup to clutter and homicide removal in more than 10 US cities. Let’s fight against homicide and criminal activities with the help of the law and hire us to clean crime scenes.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)

Urban Institute

Tabbassam Ali