Portland reports two homicides in January 2025, a sharp drop from nine last year
Portland recorded two homicides in January 2025, a significant decrease from nine in January 2024. This follows a trend where the city had 71 homicides last year, with only 12 occurring in the last three months. The decline in homicides may indicate a change in trajectory after a surge that began in 2020. Police attribute some of the decrease to community programs aimed at reducing violence and increased patrols in high-risk areas. Despite the positive numbers, police caution that it is too early to determine if this trend will continue. Homicide rates have fluctuated significantly since the pandemic began, with Portland averaging 79 homicides annually from 2020 to 2023.