In 2025, while violent crime rates have dropped nationally, a new study indicates that some U.S. cities are seeing a rise in specific crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault—even as the overall trends improve.
The Metropolitan Mayors Association (MCCA) conducted a study comparing violent crime reports from January to September 2025 with the same period in 2024. The focus was on four key areas: murder, rape or sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault.
The findings showed a nationwide decrease in all four major crime categories compared to the previous year:
- Murder: 4,143 (2025) compared to 5,126 (2024)
- Rape: 20,407 vs. 21,728
- Robbery: 66,501 vs. 81,860
- Aggravated assault: 194,804 vs. 216,466
However, the association warned that these figures are preliminary and dependent on voluntary reports from various law enforcement agencies.
The analysis highlighted cities where violent crime specifically is on the rise in contrast to the national decline.
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha witnessed increases across all four violent crime categories, according to MCCA data.
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta experienced year-over-year increases in rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, defying the national downward trend in these areas.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus reported upticks in robberies and aggravated assaults, even though these crimes have decreased nationally.
Los Angeles County, California
Data from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department noted rises in rape and aggravated assault from 2024 to 2025, based on preliminary MCCA findings.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa also recorded increases in rapes and robberies, both of which have fallen nationally during the same timeframe.
Suffolk County, New York
Suburban regions east of New York City reported hikes in murders and robberies.
Wichita, Kansas
Wichita saw rises in homicide and rape, reversing the national trends for both categories.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh recorded increases in rape and aggravated assault while noting declines in other violent crime categories.
Denver, Colorado
According to MCCA, Denver has also seen rises in rape incidents.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
In Philadelphia, rapes are increasing despite the overall decrease in violent crime trends nationwide.
As major U.S. cities experience a decline in violent crime, attention has turned toward these troubling local patterns, with President Donald Trump emphasizing federal measures to combat violence.
The administration has implemented operations targeting crime across various cities, including Washington, D.C., and has even deployed the National Guard to assist local police for the first time this year.
