Baltimore’s Historic Homicide Reduction
Baltimore has recorded its lowest homicide rate in nearly five decades, marking a significant shift for a city previously known for high crime rates.
By the end of 2025, the Baltimore Police Department reported 133 homicides, a stark decrease from the 171 killings noted in 1977.
“Baltimore will be ending the year with the lowest number of homicides in decades,” stated Mayor Brandon Scott on X. “We know that this work isn’t finished yet. We have a long way to go. But this is real progress.”
The reduction in violence began three years prior, with 261 slayings recorded in 2023 breaking an eight-year trend of over 300 homicides annually. This spike was largely attributed to the aftermath of Freddie Gray’s death in custody and increased crime during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The number of homicides fell to 194 by the end of 2024, marking consecutive years with fewer than 200 killings—a first since the 1970s. The decline continued into 2025, nearing figures last seen in 1965.
Baltimore’s turnaround has not gone unnoticed; U.S. News & World Report excluded it from its list of “Most Dangerous Places in the U.S.” for the first time in years due to its declining homicide rate.
The reasons behind this drop remain debated. The Baltimore Police Department credits proactive patrolling and improved clearance rates as key factors contributing to these record-low levels of violent crime.
Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates took office in 2023 coinciding with this decline, focusing on illegal gun control as a central aspect of his strategy. He noted that approximately 6,000 adults were responsible for most shootings and reported that around half had been incarcerated by mid-2025.
Bates expressed confidence that their strategies are effective, stating, “Our commitment remains unwavering… We will continue to build on this progress.” Meanwhile, Mayor Scott acknowledged contributions from both police and community initiatives aimed at reducing violence.
While Scott supports various anti-violence programs, Bates has criticized some initiatives led by the mayor’s office as lacking transparency and failing to consider victims’ needs.
The mayor emphasized that while progress is evident, there is still much work ahead: “133 homicides is still 133 too many… we are seeing positive impacts every day—not just through data but also through our residents’ lives.”
