Is US crime at a historic low?
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
President Trump has claimed that crime and murder rates in the US are at their lowest levels in 125 years, attributing this decline to his administration's efforts to restore law and order. However, while violent crime rates have reached a decades-long low, the data shows mixed trends when it comes to homicide rates. According to FBI statistics, the violent crime rate in 2024 was the lowest since 1969, with projections suggesting that property and violent crimes may hit all-time lows by 2025. Despite these positive indicators, experts caution that reliable data on homicides only dates back to 1960, making it difficult to definitively claim a 125-year low.
The White House points to federal policies, such as increased resources for law enforcement in major cities and efforts to deport undocumented immigrants, as key drivers of the decline. However, crime experts highlight that the decrease is likely tied to broader societal factors, including post-pandemic shifts. Following a spike in crime around 2020, many cities have seen a steady decline in violent crime. Experts attribute this trend to a renewed focus on crime prevention strategies, such as targeting high-crime areas and
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026