Murder rates decline in the U.S. despite increases in nine states

Murder rates in the U.S. have generally declined, with a 15.6% drop from 2023 to 2024. However, nine states, including New York and Texas, reported increases in murders year-on-year. New York's murders rose from 27 to 37, while Texas saw an increase from 89 to 98. Some states experienced significant decreases, such as Pennsylvania, which reported 24 murders compared to 36 the previous year. Tennessee's murders fell from 46 to 31. The data is preliminary and varies by reporting methods, making comprehensive analysis challenging. Public concern about crime has decreased, with fewer Americans worried compared to last year. A Gallup survey indicated a political divide in perceptions of crime, with many Republicans believing crime has increased, while fewer Democrats share that view.