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Homicide
trends in the U.S.
Age, gender, and race trends
Patterns of victimization and offending vary by
age, gender, and racial group
During the late 1990's, homicide victimization rates dropped for all
groups. In recent years, rates for most groups stabilized.
In 2005 --
- Black males 18-24 years old had the highest homicide victimization
rates. Their rates were more than
double the rates for black males age 25 and older and almost 4 times
the rates for black males 14-17 years old.
- Although much lower than the rates experienced in the late 1980's
and early 1990's, rates for black males ages 18-24 remain higher in
2005 than in earlier periods.
- After increases in the early 1990's, both white and black 14-17 year old males experienced
homicide victimization rates in 2005 that were about the same as those
of the early 1970's.
- Young adults (18-24 years old) have the highest victimization
rates in each racial and gender group.
- For white females of all ages, victimization rates have declined.
Since 1993, rates for black females have also declined in all age groups.
To view data, click on the chart.
 [D]
Homicide offending patterns are similar to victimization patterns
- Black males 18-24 years old have the highest homicide offending rates.
Their rates are more than 3 times
the rates of black males 14-17 years old and almost 5 times the rates
of black males age 25 and older.
- Young adults (18-24 years old) have the highest offending rates in
each racial and gender group.
- For black males 18-24 years old, offending rates declined after
1993 reaching a low in 2004. The rate increased in 2005.
- For black male teens (14-17 years old), offending rates have increased since
2002 but remain relatively low compared to earlier periods.
- For white male young adults (18-24 years old), offending rates fell to an
alltime low in 2005.
- For black females of all age groups, offending rates declined since
the early 1990's.
- White females of all age groups experience the lowest offending rates.
To
view data, click on the chart.
 [D]
Young males, particularly young black males, are disproportionately
involved in homicide compared to their share of the population
- For young white males, their proportion of the population increased
slightly since 2001, while their proportion of homicide victims has
been stable and their proporation of offenders has declined.
- For young black males, their proportion of the population has remained
at about 1%. After 1993, their proportion of homicide
victims declined slightly before stablizing in recent years. Their
proportion of homicide offenders increased rapidly from the
mid 1980's to the early 1990's and then declined slightly remaining
at over one-quarter of all offenders..
To
view data, click on the chart.
 [D]
Source: FBI, Supplementary Homicide Reports, 1976-2005.
See also Additional information about the data.
Note: The victims of the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks are not included in this analysis.
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