Baltimore, January 3, 2026
In Baltimore, a substantial decrease in violent crime has been observed in recent years, with homicides falling by over 31% and nonfatal shootings down by nearly 25%. The city recorded its lowest number of homicides in almost five decades and continues to see a decline in various crime categories, thanks to strategic community-focused initiatives and enhanced law enforcement collaboration. However, officials emphasize the importance of ongoing efforts to further improve public safety.
Baltimore Witnesses Historic Drop in Homicides and Shootings in 2025
Baltimore, Maryland – In 2025, Baltimore experienced a significant reduction in violent crime, with homicides decreasing by 31.44% and nonfatal shootings declining by 24.51%. The city recorded 133 homicides, the fewest in nearly 50 years, and a total of 311 nonfatal shootings. This marks a continued downward trend in violent crime over the past five years, with homicides down 58.69% and nonfatal shootings down 57.33% since 2020.
Key Factors Contributing to the Decline
The substantial decrease in violent crime is attributed to several key factors:
- Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan: Baltimore’s public health-centered approach to violence intervention and prevention, guided by Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan, has been instrumental in reducing homicides and nonfatal shootings. In 2024, the city saw a 23% decrease in homicides and a 34% decline in non-fatal shootings by deepening investments in community violence intervention, focused deterrence, and trauma support resources.
- Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS): The GVRS, a partnership between the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), the Mayor’s Office, and prosecutors in the State’s Attorney’s Office and Office of the Attorney General, focuses on violent social networks responsible for driving the majority of violence in Baltimore. This strategy has led to over 537 arrests and connected over 313 individuals to life coaching and wraparound services through YAP, Inc., and Roca.
- Enhanced Law Enforcement Collaboration: Strategic collaboration between federal, state, city law enforcement, and community partners has been credited for the positive direction in reducing violent crime across Maryland. Since 2021, statewide homicides have declined by 32%, with Baltimore City recording a 41% decrease during the same timeframe.
Additional Crime Reductions
Beyond homicides and nonfatal shootings, Baltimore has seen reductions in other crime categories:
- Carjackings: Decreased by 37% compared to the previous year.
- Commercial Robberies: Reduced by 16%.
- Auto Thefts: Declined by 40%.
Background Context
In 2020, Baltimore recorded 335 homicides. The city’s Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan, implemented under Mayor Scott’s leadership, aimed to reduce homicides by 15% annually. By 2024, homicides had decreased to 201, a 40% reduction from 2020. The plan’s success is attributed to its public health-centered approach to violence intervention and prevention.
Despite the progress, city officials acknowledge that 133 homicides remain too many and emphasize the need for continued efforts to further reduce violence and enhance public safety in Baltimore.
Key Features of Baltimore’s Crime Reduction in 2025
| Crime Category | 2025 Homicide Count | Percentage Change from Previous Year | Historical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homicides | 133 | 31.44% decrease | Fewest in nearly 50 years |
| Nonfatal Shootings | 311 | 24.51% decrease | Significant decline |
| Carjackings | Data not specified | 37% decrease | Notable reduction |
| Commercial Robberies | Data not specified | 16% decrease | Significant drop |
| Auto Thefts | Data not specified | 40% decrease | Substantial decline |
Conclusion
Baltimore’s notable progress in reducing homicides and violent crime in 2025 demonstrates the potential of community-focused strategies and dedicated public health initiatives. The ongoing commitment of city officials, law enforcement, and community partners continues to foster a safer environment for residents. As Baltimore moves forward, it is crucial for citizens to remain engaged in community initiatives, support local events, and advocate for continued safety improvements.
FAQ
What was the homicide rate in Baltimore in 2025?
Baltimore recorded 133 homicides in 2025, marking a 31.44% decrease from the previous year and the fewest in nearly 50 years.
What strategies contributed to the decline in violent crime?
The decline is attributed to the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan, the Group Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS), and enhanced collaboration among federal, state, city law enforcement, and community partners.
How did other crime categories change in 2025?
Carjackings decreased by 37%, commercial robberies reduced by 16%, and auto thefts declined by 40% compared to the previous year.
What was the homicide rate in Baltimore in 2020?
Baltimore recorded 335 homicides in 2020.
What is the Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan?
Implemented under Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s leadership, the plan is a public health-centered approach to violence intervention and prevention, aiming to reduce homicides by 15% annually.
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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
