According to new data released by the FBI on Monday, the murder rate in the United States fell by 6.1 percent in 2022. The report also revealed a 1.7 percent decrease in overall violent crime, including a 6.1 percent drop in murder and non-negligent manslaughter. The murder rate continues to decline after a spike during the pandemic in 2020. In 2022, the rate stood at 6.3 homicide offenses per 100,000 people, down from 6.8 in 2021.
The FBI’s report also highlighted a decrease in incidents of rape and aggravated assault in 2022. The rate of rape offenses decreased by 5.4 percent, while the rate of aggravated assault decreased by 1.1 percent. However, the robbery rate saw a 1.3 percent increase nationwide.
Overall, the rate of violent crime in 2022, at 380.7 per 100,000 people, is slightly lower than the pre-pandemic level recorded in 2019, which was 380.8 per 100,000 people. While violent crime is on a downward trend, property crime continues to rise, with a 7.1 percent increase in 2022. Motor vehicle thefts saw a significant jump of 10.9 percent from the previous year, and carjackings increased by 8.1 percent, with the majority involving the use of a weapon.
The FBI’s annual report now covers 93.5 percent of the total population, thanks to increased participation from law enforcement agencies.
