Which U.S. States Have the Most Murders (2026)

In 2025, Texas had the highest estimated number of murders and nonnegligent manslaughters among U.S. states, with 1,465 offenses, followed by California with 1,370. Per capita, Louisiana ranked highest at 8.7 offenses per 100,000 residents, followed by New Mexico at 8.6 and Alabama at 8.5. The rankings differ because total counts are strongly influenced by population size, while rates adjust for population. (Source: FBI Crime in the United States, 2025, Table 5)

This article looks at both measures, then examines city-level agency reports, regional patterns, and practical ways to strengthen security at home.

How Do We Collect Data?

All numbers come from the most reliable sources available. We use the FBI’s 2025 Crime in the United States data as the primary source. State totals and rates use the FBI’s statewide estimates, while city figures reflect reports from law enforcement agencies that submitted complete 12-month data. These agencies review and verify crime reports before publishing. CDC WONDER provides a complementary view of homicide based on death-certificate data.

We compare both raw totals (murder rate by state) and per-capita rates (murders per 100,000 people) to give a balanced view. This approach ensures the rankings you see are close to accurate, fair, and easy to understand.

Note: 2025 is the latest final year available in the FBI’s Crime in the United States downloads. Florida’s 2025 state estimate is included, but the FBI flags the underlying data as limited.

Top States by Raw Number of Murders

Some states stand out because of their sheer size and population. Bigger states tend to show higher totals, even when their murder rate per person is closer to average. Below is a breakdown of which state has the most murders in 2025:

1. Texas: The FBI estimated 1,465 murders and nonnegligent manslaughters in 2025—the highest statewide total. Most came from Houston Police Department (272) and Dallas Police Department (139), among city agencies with complete reports.
2. California: 1,370 murders and nonnegligent manslaughters were estimated statewide in 2025. Los Angeles Police Department reported 225, the largest city-agency share in the state.
3. Florida: Around 748 offenses were estimated for 2025. The FBI marks Florida's underlying data as limited, so this figure should be interpreted cautiously.
4. North Carolina: The FBI put the 2025 statewide total at 723 offenses. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported 93.
5. Georgia: About 629 murders and nonnegligent manslaughters happened in 2025. Atlanta Police Department reported 100, leading the state's city-agency totals.
6. Illinois: Chicago Police Department reported 346 murders in 2025—the highest city-agency count in the country—while the FBI estimated 556 offenses statewide.
7. Pennsylvania: More than 540 murders were estimated statewide in 2025. Philadelphia Police Department alone reported 224, far more than any other city agency in the state.
8. Ohio: Several hundred murders were estimated in 2025, with a statewide total of 530. Cleveland Police Department reported 103, and Columbus Police Department reported 84.
9. New York: New York Police Department recorded 280 murders in 2025, making up a large share of the state's estimated total of 473.
10. Tennessee: Around 473 offenses were estimated statewide in 2025. Memphis Police Department alone accounted for 189 of them.
11. Alabama: The FBI estimated 444 offenses in 2025. Birmingham Police Department reported 83.
12. Missouri: St. Louis Police Department reported 141 murders in 2025, with Kansas City Police Department adding 135, together shaping much of the state's estimated total of 443.

Top states by per-capita murder rate

Raw totals show what states have the most murders, but that's only half the story. When we shift to the murder rate by state, the rankings change a lot. This is where smaller states climb to the top.

Below is a 2025 table from the FBI Crime Data Explorer. It ranks 16 states by per-capita murder rate, with estimated offenses and year-over-year rate change shown for each state.

Source: FBI Crime in the United States, Tables 5 (2024 and 2025). Rates use the FBI’s accompanying U.S. Census Bureau population estimates and are rounded to one decimal place.

Nationally, the estimated number of murders and nonnegligent manslaughters fell 18.1% in 2025, from 17,206 to 14,085. The estimated national rate declined from 5.1 to 4.1 per 100,000 residents. (Source: FBI Crime in the United States, 2025, Table 1.)

The states with the highest murder rates in 2025 were Louisiana, New Mexico, Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri. Each tells a different story, but they share some common ground. Poverty runs deep. Crime is often concentrated in big cities. And violence tends to cluster in neighborhoods already under pressure.

Regional / Urban vs Rural Breakdown

According to 2025 FBI data, murder rate by state tends to be highest in the South and lowest in the Northeast. The Southeast region, in particular, has the nation's highest per-person murder rates. States like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama often top the lists.

Some rural states in the West (for example, Alaska or New Mexico) also report surprisingly high homicide rates. These patterns reflect broad regional differences in violence.

Within states, murders often cluster in a few places. Large urban counties, for instance, Cook County (Chicago) or Los Angeles County, record the most murders in raw numbers. Simply because so many people live there.

By contrast, some smaller counties (often in the Deep South) have very high murder rates per person. For example, areas around New Orleans, Memphis, or Jackson, Mississippi can have homicide rates many times above the national average.

Practical Safety Tips for Homeowners

Living in a high-rate state does not automatically mean your neighborhood is unsafe, but being proactive about home security can still pay off. In a UNC Charlotte study of 422 incarcerated burglars, most respondents said that signs of increased security—including alarms, dogs, and outdoor cameras or other surveillance equipment—influenced how they selected targets (Source: UNC Charlotte). For help choosing equipment and setup, see our best home security system guide.

Lock Everything:

It sounds simple, but it’s the easiest line of defense. Many burglaries start with unlocked side doors, back gates, or even garage entries. Make it a routine to lock every door, every time. Check windows too, especially on the ground floor. A locked home sends the message that breaking in will take effort.

Add Layers of Security:

A single lock won’t cut it. The more layers you add, the less appealing your home looks to intruders. Think smart deadbolts, motion lights, and even thorny bushes under the windows. Every extra obstacle slows them down and raises their chances of getting caught, and that’s usually all it takes to make them give up.

Get a Robust Security System:

Even the best locks can’t stop determined thieves. That’s where a good camera system comes in. Here is what you should get:

● eufyCam S4: Hybrid Triple-lens Camera System

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A solar-powered hybrid camera that combines a 4K wide-angle bullet camera (130° field of view) with a dual-lens 2K PTZ camera. This triple-lens system gives you a full 360° view with zero blind spots.

When the bullet camera spots movement, the PTZ camera instantly locks in and zooms closer, capturing crisp details even from about 164 feet away. The S4 runs on solar or AC power, and when plugged in, it supports continuous 24/7 recording.

● eufy ExpertSecure System E10: Security System with Professional Monitoring

The eufy ExpertSecure System E10 is a professional security system designed to keep your home safe with ease. It stays connected even during power or Internet outages, thanks to 4G connectivity and a 24-hour built-in battery. Compatible with eufy cameras, doorbells, and sensors, it works seamlessly with your devices to provide reliable protection.

With 24/7 expert monitoring and video verification, the E10 ensures faster alarm responses while reducing false alerts. It also features massive local storage, expandable up to 16 TB, for secure footage and complete privacy. Plus, advanced AI upgrades unlock smarter features for a truly worry-free security experience.

Make it Look Occupied:

Burglars look for easy targets. An empty-looking house is one of them. Use light timers, leave a car in the driveway, or keep curtains half-open. Even a small sign of activity, like music playing, can make your home appear lived in, reducing the temptation to break in.

Avoid Leaving Valuables Visible:

A laptop near the window, or a box on the porch, can be enough to lure someone. Burglars often act on impulse, so don’t give them a reason. Keep electronics, wallets, and even tools tucked away. For deliveries, use a lockbox or ask a neighbor to grab packages if you’re not home.

Get to Know Your Neighbors:

Good security goes beyond your own fence. A watchful neighbor can be better than any alarm. Build those friendly connections, exchange numbers, look out for each other’s homes, and give them a heads-up if you’ll be away.

Conclusion

So, what's the takeaway? Big states like Texas and California see the most murders in total, but when you look at the rate per person, Louisiana and New Mexico take the lead. The South carries much of the weight, while the Northeast stays lower on the charts.

Cities like Chicago or Los Angeles push numbers up. Meanwhile, smaller counties can still be some of the most dangerous places. In the end, knowing which state has the most murders isn't just about one number; you also need to look at the full picture behind it.

FAQs

What state is #1 for most murders?

In 2025, Texas had the highest estimated number of murders and nonnegligent manslaughters among U.S. states, with 1,465 offenses. California ranked second with 1,370. For murder rate per capita, Louisiana ranked first at 8.7 per 100,000 residents.

What are the top 10 murderous cities in the US?

Among city law enforcement agencies that submitted complete 12-month reports to the FBI for 2025, the top 10 by total count were:

1. Chicago — 346
2. New York — 280
3. Houston — 272
4. Los Angeles — 225
5. Philadelphia — 224
6. Memphis — 189
7. Detroit — 165
8. Milwaukee — 142
9. St. Louis — 141
10. Dallas — 139

These are police-agency figures and may not match totals based on municipal boundaries or other reporting systems.

Which U.S. city has the highest murder rate per capita?

Among the 10 city agencies with the highest total counts in the FBI’s 2025 Table 8, St. Louis had the highest rate at 51.3 per 100,000 residents. This is not a ranking of every U.S. city; small-population jurisdictions can produce much higher rates from relatively few incidents.

What are the 10 states with the highest murder rates?

When looking at murder rates by state, states like:

1. Louisiana
2. New Mexico
3. Alabama
4. Mississippi
5. Missouri
6. North Carolina
7. Tennessee
8. South Carolina
9. Arkansas
10. Alaska

They are often near the top. These rankings come from FBI 2025 state-level murder rates per 100,000 residents.

What U.S. city has the most murders in 2025?

Chicago Police Department reported the highest total among city agencies with complete 2025 FBI reports, with 346 murders and nonnegligent manslaughters. New York Police Department followed with 280, and Houston Police Department reported 272.