Violent crime cools in major U.S. cities as homicides plunge in early 2026

Violent crime fell across 66 large U.S. cities in the first half of 2026, with homicides down 17.2% and overall violent crime down about 8.3% (roughly 14,200 fewer crimes), according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association. The declines span both administrations and most metros, though large percentage drops in small baselines (e.g., Newark, Raleigh) skew the numbers while a few places with small totals (Honolulu, San Diego) rose. Notable declines include Washington, D.C. (homicides −43.9%), Memphis (−43.7%), Houston (−38.3%), and Philadelphia (−27.2%). The Council on Criminal Justice reports a similar trend with an 18% homicide drop across 30 cities in the first half of 2026.