With the homicide rate having decreased by an average of roughly 5% in 40 of the biggest U.S. cities between Q3 2021 and Q3 2023, WalletHub today released its report on the Cities With the Biggest Homicide Rate Problems, along with expert commentary.

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In order to determine which cities have the biggest homicide problems, WalletHub compared 40 of the largest U.S. cities based on per capita homicides in Q3 2023 as well as per capita homicides in Q3 2023 vs. Q3 2022 and Q3 2021. 

Homicide Rate in Phoenix (1=Highest, 20=Average):

  • Overall rank for Phoenix: 32nd
  • 27th – Homicides per Capita in Q3 2023
  • 31st – Change in Homicides per Capita (Q3 2023 vs. Q3 2022)
  • 25th – Change in Homicides per Capita (Q3 2023 vs. Q3 2021)

Note: Rankings are based on data available as of 12:30 p.m. ET on October 16, 2023.

So, will the second half of 2023 bring new solutions to the homicide rate problem?
 
“I do not think we are so much in need of new solutions; we already have a good idea of what works,” said Dennis Mares, professor and director of the Center for Crime Science and Violence Prevention, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleI think we need honest policymakers. The right needs to acknowledge that having no restrictions on firearms impacts the ease with which high-risk people can access firearms, whereas the left should acknowledge that de-policing and de-prosecuting are not sound strategies. As our nation’s politics has polarized, crime and violence are in need of pragmatic, centrist policies. Regardless, homicides will eventually move downwards, and early indicators for 2023 suggest they already are receding in many cities…That said…we have a long way to go to get back to the trajectory we were on 5-10 years ago.”

To view the full report and your city’s rank, visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/cities-homicide-rate/94070/