US murder rate slides to 125-year low as violence ebbs nationwide
National homicide fell to a historic low in 2025 and has continued to decline in 2026, with CCJ data showing an 18–20% year-over-year drop across many major cities; eight large cities posted increases. Lincoln, Nebraska recorded zero homicides in the first half of 2026, while New York City saw murders down about 25% through June. Experts credit a mix of local violence-prevention efforts and macro factors such as more remote work and a nationwide decline in alcohol abuse for the trend.