FBI Reports 4.5 Percent Drop in U.S. Violent Crime for 2024

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Violent crime across the United States fell by 4.5 percent in 2024, according to the FBI’s latest annual report, marking the second consecutive year of national crime reductions. The data also showed an 8 percent decline in property crime, with key categories such as murder and rape experiencing notable decreases.

Murder and non-negligent manslaughter dropped by nearly 15 percent, the lowest rate recorded in almost a decade, while rape declined by approximately 5 percent. Hate crimes fell slightly by 1.5 percent, though they remained at the second-highest level since national tracking began over 30 years ago.

The FBI compiled its findings from over 16,000 state and local law enforcement agencies, covering about 86 percent of participants in the Uniform Crime Reporting Program and representing more than 325 million people. To improve timeliness and transparency, the agency plans to begin releasing crime data monthly.

Despite the downward trend in major crimes, the report raised serious concerns over officer safety. Assaults on law enforcement officers reached a 10-year high in 2024. A total of 85,730 officers were assaulted, and 64 officers were killed in the line of duty, 46 of them fatally shot.

Experts attribute the ongoing crime reductions to a range of factors, including improved policing strategies, stronger community outreach programs, and a broader return to pre-pandemic social norms. However, public perception often remains disconnected from the data, with many Americans still believing crime is increasing, an outlook heavily influenced by frequent media coverage of violent incidents.

While traditional forms of crime, such as robbery, assault, and burglary, are declining, the FBI report noted a surge in cybercrime and digital scams. Reported losses from online fraud reached a record $16.6 billion in 2024, a 33 percent increase from the previous year. Cryptocurrency-related scams alone accounted for over $9 billion in losses.