Denver leads 29 U.S. cities in homicide decline, report finds

Denver logged the steepest drop in homicides among 29 U.S. cities in the first half of 2025, according to a new report from the Council on Criminal Justice.

Why it matters: It’s another datapoint suggesting Denver is getting safer — especially when it comes to violent crime. The city’s homicide rate has dropped to its lowest level in more than a decade.

By the numbers: Homicides in Denver fell 45% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, per CCJ, a nonpartisan think tank.

  • Since January 2019, killings are down 31%.

Other major crimes also fell year-over-year:

  • Carjackings: -27%.
  • Car theft: -46%.
  • Robbery: -20%.
  • Residential burglary: -19%.
  • Non-residential burglary: -36%.

Yes, but: Not every trend is positive. Drug offenses rose 5%, and shoplifting ticked up 12%…

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