Violent crime decreased across the United States in 2025, yet a recent study indicates that some cities are experiencing rising rates of murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults, despite the overall improvement in national statistics.
The Metropolitan Mayors Association (MCCA) analyzed crime reports from January to September 2025 and compared them to similar data from 2024, focusing on four primary violent crime categories: murder, sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault.
According to the findings, the total instances of violent crime dropped significantly compared to the same timeframe in 2024 across all categories:
- Murder: 4,143 (2025) vs. 5,126 (2024)
- Rape: 20,407 vs. 21,728
- Robbery: 66,501 vs. 81,860
- Aggravated assault: 194,804 vs. 216,466
However, these preliminary numbers rely on voluntary reports from participating law enforcement agencies, and thus should be interpreted with caution.
Notably, cities where violent crime is increasing despite the national decline include:
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha has reported increases in all four categories of violent crime as per MCCA data.
Atlanta, Georgia
In Atlanta, rates of rape, robbery, and aggravated assault have risen year over year, defying national trends of decrease.
Columbus, Ohio
This city saw increases in both robbery and aggravated assault, although those crimes are decreasing overall in the nation.
Los Angeles County, California
The Sheriff’s Department noted a rise in cases of rape and aggravated assault from 2024 to 2025, based on the early data.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa also saw increases in rapes and robberies, which have generally declined across the country.
Suffolk County, New York
Suburban areas east of New York City reported upticks in murders and robberies.
Wichita, Kansas
Wichita experienced a rise in both homicide and rape, contrary to national circumstances.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s data shows increases in rape and aggravated assault, while other violent crime categories have lessened.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, according to MCCA, has noted a rise in reported rapes.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In Philadelphia, the number of rapes is increasing even though national violent crime rates are in decline.
As violent crime decreases in many major U.S. cities, President Trump’s administration is intensifying its focus on tackling these issues. The federal government has initiated enforcement actions in various locations, such as Washington, D.C., and has deployed the National Guard to assist local police departments earlier this year.
