Preliminary data released Monday by the Department of Justice shows a significant drop in violent crime across the United States in 2025. The figures come from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey, which is conducted by the Census Bureau through interviews with roughly 240,000 people.
According to the survey, serious violent victimization — a category that includes rape, robbery, and aggravated assault — fell from 9.9 incidents per 1,000 Americans age 12 and older in 2024 to 7.4 in 2025, a drop of about 25 percent. Aggravated assault fell 31 percent, property crime fell 19 percent, and motor vehicle theft fell 30 percent.
Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward announced the findings, saying: “This report is proof that President Trump’s ‘Make America Safe Again’ agenda is working.” He added, “Under President Trump and Attorney General Todd Blanche, the safety of law-abiding Americans will always come first. This success reinforces our commitment to ensuring every American can live, work, and raise a family without fear.”
The victimization survey differs from traditional crime statistics in one key respect: it asks people directly about their experiences, which means it captures crimes that were never reported to police.
How it compares to other data
The new numbers follow FBI data showing violent crime down 9.3 percent in 2025, with the national murder rate tied for the lowest on record.
The decline was recorded nationwide, though the administration has also directed federal resources toward specific cities. In Memphis, where a federal task force has been operating, murders fell 48 percent during the task force’s first 56 days. Early results were also tracked in Washington, D.C.
Separately, data cited in earlier reporting indicates homicides in 2026 are on pace to decline further still.
It’s worth noting that crime rates had already been trending downward before President Trump returned to office in January 2025. The new survey indicates that decline has continued, and in some categories accelerated, during his second term.
Add comment