Status: Getting worse
Most Recent Data:
7.7
homicides per 100,000 population
(2022) *
Target:
5.5
per 100,000 *
Desired Direction:
Decrease desired
Baseline:
5.9 homicides per 100,000 population occurred in 2018 *
* Age adjusted to the year 2000 standard population.
Homicide is a major cause of death in the United States. Data show that homicide rates vary by educational attainment, along with sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, and age. Implementing comprehensive strategies that address factors contributing to the risks for homicide and homicide disparities is an essential step in addressing this Healthy People 2030 Leading Health Indicator.
In 2018, there were 5.9 homicides per 100,000 population. *
Disparities in homicide rates by educational attainment: Highest/lowest rate * ‡
In 2018, adults aged 25–64 years with less than a high school education had the highest group rate of homicides (19.2 per 100,000 population). Those with some college education or more (reference group) had the lowest group rate (2.6 per 100,000 population).
Among adults aged 25–64 years, the homicide rate among those with less than a high school education was more than 7 times the rate among those with some college education or more (maximal rate ratio). The difference between the highest and lowest group rates was 16.5 homicides per 100,000 population (maximal rate difference).
Disparities in homicide rates by educational attainment: All groups * ‡
In 2018, adults aged 25–64 years with some college education or more had the lowest group rate of homicides (2.6 per 100,000 population).
- The homicide rate among adults aged 25–64 years with a high school education (including GED or equivalent) (15.0 per 100,000 population) was more than 5.5 times the lowest group rate.
- The homicide rate among adults aged 25–64 years with less than a high school education (19.2 per 100,000 population) was more than 7 times the lowest group rate.
