Is crime increasing or decreasing? What part of the population is in the corrections system? How many police are there?
Latest update on March 30, 2023
Explore data on crime rates, gun background checks, the corrections system, and local police forces.
What is the current crime rate in the US?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) serves as the primary source for national crime data, with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies voluntarily providing crime statistics to the FBI. However, it's important to note that data beyond 2020 is limited due to changes in reporting systems.
Violent crimes encompass offenses involving the use of force or the threat of force, including murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes, on the other hand, involve the unlawful taking of property or money without the use or threat of force. Examples include burglary, larceny or theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The FBI's detailed definitions of crime types can be found on its website.
Violent crimes and property crimes are not shown on the same line chart so trends in both can be seen individually.