DETROIT — Recent preliminary statistics released by the city indicate that homicide rates in Detroit have reached their lowest levels since the mid-1960s. The city is witnessing a national trend of declining overall violent crime rates in the United States.
At the close of 2024, Detroit recorded approximately 203 homicides, marking a decrease of 49 from the previous year. This figure signifies the fewest homicides the city has experienced since 1965, when 188 homicides were reported, as stated by Mayor Mike Duggan during a press conference.
Alongside the drop in homicides, other violent crime incidents, including nonfatal shootings, assaults, carjackings, and more, are also on the decline in the city. “The statistics we are seeing are truly exceptional,” Duggan remarked. Reflecting on past experiences, he noted that he was the Wayne County prosecutor in 2002 when police celebrated reducing the homicide count below 400 for the first time—a number they thought was unachievable at that time. He further noted that the number of homicides had since fallen below 300 during his tenure as mayor.
Overall violent crime across the United States decreased by approximately 3% in 2023 compared to the year prior, according to an FBI report issued in September. Notably, murder and non-negligent manslaughter rates declined nearly 12% nationwide.
Detroit, home to around 633,000 residents, experienced 309 homicides in 2022, and this number was 308 in 2021. In 2018, the city reported 261 homicides—the lowest count since 1966, which recorded 214.
Data indicates a significant drop in nonfatal shootings in Detroit, with incidents decreasing from 804 in 2023 to 606 in the past year. Mayor Duggan highlighted the importance of these numbers by emphasizing that they represent real lives, particularly affecting the youth in the community.
The reductions in crime extend across various categories; carjackings fell from 167 in 2023 to 142 last year, while sexual assaults and robberies also saw significant declines, including 184 fewer robbery incidents compared to the year before. Other offenses such as burglaries, larcenies, and motor vehicle thefts have also been reduced.
Mayor Duggan credited the significant declines to collaborations with local and state law enforcement as well as federal agencies. Programs like ShotStoppers, which receive federal funding, have been pivotal in assisting community groups aiming to minimize homicide and shooting statistics. Last month, some of the most violent neighborhoods reported reductions of 83%, 73%, and 61% in violent incidents.
Launched in 2023, the ShotStoppers initiative empowers residents and activists to devise their own methods for violence prevention. These methods often incorporate educating youth on critical thinking, creating job training opportunities for adults, promoting drug prevention, and engaging in community improvement efforts.
In addition, Detroit has increased its police presence by hiring an additional 340 officers over the past two years to further ensure community safety.
