Story perspectives

Global Homicide Rates Plummet, 1.5 Million Lives Saved

12/1/2025

47 10

Summary

Story summary

Global homicide rates fell from 6.9 to 5.2 per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2023, saving about 1.5 million lives.
The decline stems from improved state capacity, targeted policing, and demographic shifts such as aging populations.
Despite progress, violence remains concentrated in specific regions, with the Americas and Africa higher than Europe and East Asia.
Notable examples include Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Colima, Mexico, where local rates remain alarmingly high.

1 of 1

Story summary

Global homicide rates fell from 6.9 to 5.2 per 100,000 people between 2000 and 2023, saving about 1.5 million lives.
The decline stems from improved state capacity, targeted policing, and demographic shifts such as aging populations.
Despite progress, violence remains concentrated in specific regions, with the Americas and Africa higher than Europe and East Asia.
Notable examples include Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and Colima, Mexico, where local rates remain alarmingly high.