Top 10 U.S. Cities with the Highest Murder Rates in 2024
Homicide statistics show high rates in several major cities, despite reported declines in recent months.
Recent statements by Democratic officials suggest that crime is declining, while former President Donald Trump and other federal officials have accused them of manipulating crime data. According to The Hill, the top 10 cities with the highest murder rates per 100,000 residents are:
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Jackson, Mississippi – 77.8 murders per 100,000, nearly 20 times the national average of 8.2. City officials reported a 50% drop in murders compared to the same period last year.
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Birmingham, Alabama – 58.8 murders per 100,000. Murders dropped by 51% in the first half of 2025 (76 to 37), although overall crime rose 7%, including a 2% increase in violent crimes.
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St. Louis, Missouri – 54.1 murders per 100,000, with a 28% decline in murders in early 2025, the lowest level in 20 years.
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Memphis, Tennessee – 40.6 murders per 100,000, known for the highest violent crime rate among major U.S. cities. Police report a 22% decline in overall crime this year.
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Baltimore, Maryland – 34.8 murders per 100,000 last year. By July 2025, the city had 68 murders, a 22% year-on-year decline, with non-fatal shootings down 19%.
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Detroit, Michigan – 31.2 murders per 100,000
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Cleveland, Ohio – 30 murders per 100,000
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Louisville, Kentucky – 21.7 murders per 100,000
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Indianapolis, Indiana – 20 murders per 100,000
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Oakland, California – 18.6 murders per 100,00
Analysis
These statistics show a complex picture: while certain cities have historically high murder rates, many have experienced recent declines. Jackson, St. Louis, and Baltimore have all reported decreases, though overall crime trends remain a point of debate.
Politically, Democrats highlight the downward trends in violent crime, while Trump and other Republicans stress the need for stronger law enforcement, fueling ongoing discussions on public safety, policing, and crime reporting accuracy.
