In 2025, Pietermaritzburg in South Africa ranked as the world's most dangerous city with a crime rate of 82 per 100,000 inhabitants. Five of the 10 cities with the highest crime rates worldwide are found in South Africa. The list does not include countries where war and conflict exist. South Africa dominates crime statistics When looking at crime rates, among the 10 most dangerous cities in the world, half of them are found in South Africa. The country is struggling with extremely high levels of inequality, and is struggling with high levels of crime and power outages, harming the country's economy and driving more people into unemployment and poverty. Crime in Latin America On the other hand, when looking at murder rates, Latin America dominates the list of the world's most dangerous countries. Violence in Latin America is caused in great part by drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and gang wars.

The graph illustrates the murder rate in the United States from 1985 to 2023. The x-axis represents the years, labeled with two-digit abbreviations from '85 to '23, while the y-axis shows the annual murder rate per 100,000 individuals. Throughout this 39-year period, the murder rate fluctuates between a high of 10.66 in 1991 and a low of 4.7 in 2014. Overall, the data reveals a significant downward trend in the murder rate from the mid-1980s, reaching its lowest point in the mid-2010s, followed by slight increases in the most recent years.

In recent years, gun violence in the United States has become an alarmingly common occurrence. From 2016, there has been over ****** homicides by firearm in the U.S. each year and firearms have been found to make up the majority of murder weapons in the country by far, demonstrating increasing rates of gun violence occurring throughout the nation. As of 2025, Mississippi was the state with the highest gun violence rate per 100,000 residents in the United States, at **** percent, followed by Louisiana, at **** percent. In comparison, Massachusetts had a gun violence rate of *** percent, the lowest out of all the states. The importance of gun laws Gun laws in the United States vary from state to state, which has been found to affect the differing rates of gun violence throughout the country. Fewer people die by gun violence in states where gun safety laws have been passed, while gun violence rates remain high in states where gun usage is easily permitted and even encouraged. In addition, some states suffer from high rates of gun violence despite having strong gun safety laws due to gun trafficking, as traffickers can distribute firearms illegally past state lines. The right to bear arms Despite evidence from other countries demonstrating that strict gun control measures reduce rates of gun violence, the United States has remained reluctant to enact gun control laws. This can largely be attributed to the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which states that citizens have the right to bear arms. Consequently, gun control has become a highly partisan issue in the U.S., with ** percent of Democrats believing that it was more important to limit gun ownership while ** percent of Republicans felt that it was more important to protect the right of Americans to own guns.

Turks and Caicos Islands saw a murder rate of ***** per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the most dangerous country for this kind of crime worldwide as of 2024. Interestingly, El Salvador, which long had the highest global homicide rates, has dropped out of the top 29 after a high number of gang members have been incarcerated. Meanwhile, Colima in Mexico was the most dangerous city for murders. Violent conflicts worldwide Notably, these figures do not include deaths that resulted from war or a violent conflict. While there is a persistent number of conflicts worldwide, resulting casualties are not considered murders. Partially due to this reason, homicide rates in Latin America are higher than those in Afghanistan or Syria. A different definition of murder in these circumstances could change the rate significantly in some countries. Causes of death Also, noteworthy is that murders are usually not random events. In the United States, the circumstances of murders are most commonly arguments, followed by narcotics incidents and robberies. Additionally, murders are not a leading cause of death. Heart diseases, strokes and cancer pose a greater threat to life than violent crime.

In 2023, the violent crime rate in the United States was 363.8 cases per 100,000 of the population. Even though the violent crime rate has been decreasing since 1990, the United States tops the ranking of countries with the most prisoners. In addition, due to the FBI's transition to a new crime reporting system in which law enforcement agencies voluntarily submit crime reports, data may not accurately reflect the total number of crimes committed in recent years. Reported violent crime rate in the United States The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation tracks the rate of reported violent crimes per 100,000 U.S. inhabitants. In the timeline above, rates are shown starting in 1990. The rate of reported violent crime has fallen since a high of 758.20 reported crimes in 1991 to a low of 363.6 reported violent crimes in 2014. In 2023, there were around 1.22 million violent crimes reported to the FBI in the United States. This number can be compared to the total number of property crimes, roughly 6.41 million that year. Of violent crimes in 2023, aggravated assaults were the most common offenses in the United States, while homicide offenses were the least common. Law enforcement officers and crime clearance Though the violent crime rate was down in 2013, the number of law enforcement officers also fell. Between 2005 and 2009, the number of law enforcement officers in the United States rose from around 673,100 to 708,800. However, since 2009, the number of officers fell to a low of 626,900 officers in 2013. The number of law enforcement officers has since grown, reaching 720,652 in 2023. In 2023, the crime clearance rate in the U.S. was highest for murder and non-negligent manslaughter charges, with around 57.8 percent of murders being solved by investigators and a suspect being charged with the crime. Additionally, roughly 46.1 percent of aggravated assaults were cleared in that year. A statistics report on violent crime in the U.S. can be found here.

Intentional homicides (per 100,000 people) in United States was reported at 6.8075 in 2021, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Intentional homicides (per 100;000 people) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

In 2024, the highest homicide rate among 22 Latin American and Caribbean countries surveyed was in Haiti, with around 62 murders committed per 100,000 inhabitants. Trinidad and Tobago came in second, with a homicide rate of 46, while Honduras ranked seventh, with 25. In the same year, the lowest rate was recorded in El Salvador, with a homicide rate of 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. A violence-ridden region Violence and crime are some of the most pressing problems affecting Latin American society nowadays. More than 40 of the 50 most dangerous cities in the world are located in this region, as well as one of the twenty countries with the least peace in the world according to the Global Peace Index. Despite governments’ large spending on security and high imprisonment rates, drug and weapon trafficking, organized crime, and gangs have turned violence into an epidemic that affects the whole region and a solution to this issue appears to be hardly attainable. The cost of violence in Mexico Mexico stands out as an example of the great cost that violence inflicts upon a country, since beyond claiming human lives, it also affects everyday life and has a negative impact on the economy. Mexicans have a high perceived level of insecurity, as they do not only fear becoming victims of homicide, but also of other common crimes, such as assault or rape. Such fear prevents people from performing everyday activities, for instance, going out at night, taking a taxi or going to the movies or the theater. Furthermore, the economic toll of violence in Mexico is more than considerable. For example, the cost of homicide and violent crime amounted to 2099.8 and 1778.1 billion Mexican pesos in 2023, respectively.

Introduction

Crime Statistics: Crime affects how we live, where we go, and how safe we feel every day. The latest numbers from 2025 reveal significant shifts in the types of crimes occurring and their geographical distribution. As towns and cities grow and new technologies are introduced, it's essential for everyone—from parents and students to business owners and local leaders—to understand what is happening.

This Crime Statistics will break down the newest US crime data, including violent crimes, property crimes, where crime is rising or falling, how police are responding, and which groups are most at risk. These facts and figures aren't just stats—they show what's happening in real communities and help us make better choices for a safer future.

Number and rate (per 100,000 population) of homicide victims, Canada and Census Metropolitan Areas, 1981 to 2024.

In 2019, there were six deaths by homicide per 100,000 of the population in the United States, compared to 5.9 deaths by homicide in the previous year. This is an increase from 1950, when there were 5.1 deaths by homicide per 100,000 resident population in the United States. However, within the provided time period, the death rate for homicide in the U.S. was highest in 1980, when there were 10.4 deaths by homicide per 100,000 of the population in the United States.

Homicides in the United States

The term homicide is used when a human being is killed by another human being. Criminal homicide takes several forms, for example murder; but homicide is not always a crime, it also includes affirmative defense, insanity, self-defense or the execution of convicted criminals. In the United States, youth homicide has especially been seen as a problem of urban areas, due to poverty, limited adult supervision, involvement in drug and gang activities, and school failure. Both homicide rates and suicide rates in the U.S. among people aged 20 to 24 and teenagers aged 15 to 19 have vastly increased since 2001.

Number, percentage and rate (per 100,000 population) of homicide victims, by racialized identity group (total, by racialized identity group; racialized identity group; South Asian; Chinese; Black; Filipino; Arab; Latin American; Southeast Asian; West Asian; Korean; Japanese; other racialized identity group; multiple racialized identity; racialized identity, but racialized identity group is unknown; rest of the population; unknown racialized identity group), gender (all genders; male; female; gender unknown) and region (Canada; Atlantic region; Quebec; Ontario; Prairies region; British Columbia; territories), 2019 to 2024.

The graph illustrates the number of deaths per day in the United States from 1950 to 2025. The x-axis represents the years, abbreviated from '50 to '24, while the y-axis indicates the daily number of deaths. Over this 75-year period, the number of deaths per day ranges from a low of 4,054 in 1950 to a high of 9,570 in 2021. Notable figures include 6,855 deaths in 2010 and 8,333 in 2024. The data shows a general upward trend in daily deaths over the decades, with recent years experiencing some fluctuations. This information is presented in a line graph format, effectively highlighting the long-term trends and yearly variations in daily deaths across the United States.

Victims of gang-related homicides (total number of homicide victims; number of homicide victims - unknown gang-relation; number of homicide victims - known gang relation; number of gang-related homicide victims; percentage of gang-related homicide victims; rate (per 100,000 population) of gang-related homicide victims), Canada and regions, 1999 to 2024.

The deadliest school shooting in the United States as of August 11, 2025, was the Virginia Tech massacre, with 32 fatalities and 23 injuries. The next deadliest school shooting (based on fatalities) was the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, with 27 fatalities. School shootings in the U.S. Mass shootings in the United States have become a disturbingly common occurrence, and sadly, so have school shootings. The Columbine school shooting is perhaps the most famous in the country’s history, and since 1999 (when the shooting occurred), the number of school shootings has only increased. Many measures have been used to try to prevent school shootings, including security guards and metal detectors being deployed in schools, and even the suggestion that teachers be allowed to carry guns in schools. Gun control Gun control in the United States is a sticky issue, since gun ownership is enshrined in the Constitution. Some advocate for stricter gun control laws to try to prevent future mass shootings, while others say that this is unconstitutional. Gun ownership rates in the U.S. are high, with the share of American households owning at least one firearm remaining relatively steady since 1972.

Crime Analytics Tools Market Outlook

The global crime analytics tools market size was valued at approximately USD 5.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 12.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% during the forecast period. The key growth factor driving this market is the increasing need for advanced analytical tools to combat rising crime rates and enhance public safety. With the rapid advancements in technology and the growing importance of data in decision-making processes, the crime analytics tools market is poised for substantial growth.

One of the primary growth factors for the crime analytics tools market is the rising incidence of criminal activities globally, which has prompted law enforcement agencies to invest in advanced analytical solutions. These tools help in identifying, predicting, and preventing crimes, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of law enforcement operations. Additionally, the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in crime analytics tools is revolutionizing the way crimes are analyzed and mitigated, providing a significant boost to market growth.

Another critical growth factor is the increasing government initiatives and funding aimed at strengthening national security and public safety. Governments worldwide are recognizing the importance of advanced crime analytics tools in enhancing public safety and are consequently increasing their budget allocations for the adoption of these tools. This surge in government investments is expected to drive the market's growth significantly during the forecast period.

The proliferation of smart city initiatives is also contributing to the market's growth. As cities around the world aim to become smarter and safer, the deployment of advanced crime analytics tools is becoming essential. These tools enable city authorities to monitor and manage urban safety more effectively, thereby reducing crime rates and improving the quality of life for residents. This trend is expected to fuel the demand for crime analytics tools in the coming years.

Regionally, North America dominates the crime analytics tools market, owing to the high adoption rate of advanced technologies and significant government investments in public safety. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by increasing urbanization, rising crime rates, and growing government initiatives for public safety. Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa are also expected to contribute significantly to the market's growth, with steady adoption of crime analytics tools across these regions.

Component Analysis

The crime analytics tools market is segmented based on components into software, hardware, and services. The software segment holds the largest market share and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Crime analytics software includes advanced solutions that leverage data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to analyze crime patterns, predict future crimes, and provide actionable insights to law enforcement agencies. The increasing adoption of these sophisticated software solutions by government agencies and private security firms is driving the growth of this segment.

The hardware segment, although smaller compared to software, plays a crucial role in the overall crime analytics ecosystem. Hardware components include surveillance cameras, sensors, and other data collection devices that are essential for gathering real-time data. The integration of these hardware components with advanced software solutions enhances the overall efficiency of crime analytics tools. The continuous advancements in hardware technology, such as the development of high-resolution cameras and IoT-enabled devices, are expected to drive the growth of this segment.

The services segment is also witnessing significant growth, driven by the increasing need for implementation, training, and maintenance services associated with crime analytics tools. As these tools become more sophisticated, the demand for specialized services to ensure their optimal performance is rising. These services include consulting, custom development, and ongoing support, which are crucial for the successful deployment and operation of crime analytics solutions. The growing emphasis on end-to-end solutions is further propelling the demand for services in this market.

Overall, the component analysis

According to cognitive market research, the global forensic equipment and supplies market size was valued at USD xx billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD xx billion at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period.

Forensic equipment and supplies refer to the tools, instruments, and materials used by forensic investigators and scientists to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence at a crime scene.
North America now holds a dominant market share due to the existence of large manufacturers, technological improvements, and government programs aimed at improving forensic services.
Europe is the second-largest market for forensic equipment and supplies, with a significant demand from government forensic laboratories and research facilities.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth in the forensic equipment and supplies market because of the rising need for forensic services and the increased attention being paid to forensic infrastructure development.
With a spectacular CAGR rise over the projection period, the Middle East and Africa also play significant roles in the worldwide market.

Market Dynamics of the Forensic Equipment and Supplies Market

Key Drivers of the Forensic Equipment and Supplies Market

The rising crime rate across the globe is a major driver of the market. 

Criminal activity is evolving into increasingly complex and elusive forms of expression. The number of crimes has dramatically grown, including killings, financial fraud, data theft, cybersecurity breaches, piracy, and theft and burglaries. New-generation forensic tools and supplies must be used to speed up investigations due to the evolving nature of crime, the growing burden on law enforcement agencies, and the complexity of crime. As a result, to effectively handle the increasing burden, governments everywhere are extending their forensic units. This in turn fuels the need for various forensic tools and materials. Demands for government action to combat crime were more common in nations where crime rates had increased. Respondents in nations like South Africa and Turkey believe that there has been an increase in crime in the last year, but they do not think that government action on the matter should be prioritized. These are often nations that are experiencing persistent economic problems, such as South Africa's high unemployment rate, and Turkey's extreme inflation. • For instance, On November 21, 2022, the US Department of Justice (DoJ)’s Office of Justice Programs announced almost USD 160 million in funding to support crime investigation laboratories, fund forensics research, reduce DNA backlogs, and aid investigators in locating missing persons and recognizing the remains of humans.

Rising acceptance of DNA profiling in criminology will propel the market growth

DNA samples taken at the scene of the crime aid in the precise and speedy investigation of crimes. The market participants are being encouraged to commercialize DNA testing kits and improve their accessibility to international forensic entities through advancements in forensic science technology. The need for forensic tools and DNA collection is also anticipated to increase as more people become aware of the many benefits made possible by DNA profiling solutions. Furthermore, it is projected that the market's growth potential will be expanded by the increasing integration of cutting-edge technology and the surge in social investment in forensic sciences improvement. DNA may be used to identify possible criminals and link specific people to a crime by proving they were there at a particular site. The effectiveness of the criminal justice system is further enhanced by DNA profiling. An alpha-numeric value that is computed and shown as a result of the DNA analysis procedure is called a DNA profile. DNA analysis is an intelligence technique that may be used to identify, confirm, or remove a suspect in a criminal investigation. By comparing DNA profiles from different crime sites, it may also be used to identify victims of crime or disasters and to establish connections between crimes.

Restraints of the Forensic Equipment and Supplies Market

Lack of technical knowledge or technical professionals is restraining the market growth.

Even for those who have no experience with digital evidence or computer science, technology has to be easy t...

There were *** homicides for every million people in England and Wales in 2024/25, compared with 9.4 in the previous reporting year. In 2023/24, the homicide rate among UK jurisdictions was highest in Scotland, at **** homicides per million people, and lowest in Northern Ireland, which had a homicide rate of ***. Throughout this provided time period, the homicide rate for Scotland has declined substantially. From 2003/04 to 2013/14, Scotland had the highest homicide rate among UK jurisdictions, with a peak of ** homicides per million people recorded in 2004/05. Uptick in violent crimes since the mid-2010s In 2002/03, there were ***** homicides in England and Wales, but by 2013/14, this had fallen to just ***, with similar declines also evident in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Unlike in the latter two jurisdictions, however, there was a noticeable uptick in homicides in England and Wales from 2016/17 onwards, with *** recorded in 2019/20. Additionally, there has been a surge in violence against the person offences in England and Wales, rising from around ******* in 2012/13 to more than *********** ten years later in 2022/23. It is unclear what exactly is driving this trend, but in an attempt to reverse it, the UK government has started to increase the manpower and funding available to UK police forces after several years of cuts. Struggles of the UK justice system Recent boosts to police funding come after almost a decade of austerity was imposed on most public services. Although some government departments were protected from this, the Ministry of Justice saw its budget decline from *** billion pounds in 2009/10 to just **** billion pounds in 2015/16. Although the Justice Budget has also increased recently, there are several signs that the system as a whole is under pressure. There is a significant backlog of cases at Crown Courts in England and Wales, with serious offences taking an average of almost***************** to pass through the court system. Meanwhile, prisons are struggling with severe capacity issues along with upticks in violence and self-harm.

The graph shows the number of gun deaths per year in the United States from 1999 to 2023. The x-axis represents the years, while the y-axis displays the annual count of gun-related fatalities. The data ranges from a low of 28,663 gun deaths in 2000 to a high of 48,830 in 2021. From 1999 to 2014, the numbers remained relatively stable with slight fluctuations. However, gun deaths began increasing significantly after 2015, peaking in 2021 before a slight decline in 2022 and 2023. The graph highlights long-term trends in gun-related fatalities, emphasizing a notable rise in recent years.

The graph illustrates the number of victims of race-based hate crimes in the United States in 2023. The x-axis lists various ethnic groups, while the y-axis represents the corresponding number of victims. The data reveals that Anti-Black hate crimes were the most prevalent, with 3224 victims, followed by Anti-Hispanic and Anti-Asian crimes with 861and 430 victims respectively. Other categories include Anti-Other Race (418), Anti-American Indian (112), Anti-Arab (154), and Anti-Native Pacific (15). The data indicates a significant disparity in the number of victims across different ethnic groups, with Anti-Black hate crimes being the most prominent.

Personal Defense Product Market Outlook

The global market size for personal defense products was valued at approximately USD 2.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 5.3 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.8% over the forecast period. This substantial growth is driven by rising concerns over personal safety and security, increasing crime rates, and a growing awareness of self-defense measures among individuals.

One of the primary growth factors fueling the personal defense product market is the escalating perception of personal safety threats. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in violent crimes and assaults, which has spurred demand for self-defense tools. Citizens are increasingly seeking reliable, effective methods to protect themselves in various situations, leading to a surge in the adoption of personal defense products. Moreover, this trend is not confined to urban areas alone; even rural regions are witnessing a rise in demand for these products as awareness spreads.

Technological advancements and innovations in personal defense devices also contribute significantly to market growth. Modern self-defense products are now equipped with advanced features such as GPS tracking, mobile connectivity, and high-intensity alarms, which enhance their effectiveness and usability. These innovations have made personal defense products more appealing to a broader demographic, including women, the elderly, and students, further expanding market reach. Additionally, manufacturers are continually investing in research and development to create more user-friendly and discreet products that can be easily carried and operated.

The role of social media and digital marketing cannot be understated when discussing the growth of the personal defense product market. Social media platforms have become vital channels for spreading awareness about personal safety and promoting self-defense products. Influencers and advocacy groups regularly highlight the importance of self-defense, showcasing various products available in the market. This has significantly boosted consumer interest and informed purchasing decisions, contributing to the market's rapid expansion. As a result, companies are increasingly leveraging online marketing strategies to reach a larger audience and enhance their market presence.

Regionally, North America dominates the personal defense product market, driven by high crime rates and strong consumer awareness of self-defense measures. The United States, in particular, is a significant contributor to market growth, given its high demand for personal safety tools and supportive regulatory environment. Meanwhile, Europe and the Asia Pacific regions are also witnessing considerable market growth due to increasing incidents of violence and growing consumer awareness. The market in these regions is expected to experience high growth rates, driven by rising disposable incomes and an increasing emphasis on personal safety.

Pepper Spray Analysis

Pepper spray is one of the most popular and widely used personal defense products. It is a non-lethal weapon that incapacitates attackers by causing intense irritation in the eyes, respiratory system, and skin. The convenience and portability of pepper spray make it an ideal choice for individuals seeking a quick and easy method of self-defense. The market for pepper spray is driven by its effectiveness, ease of use, and affordability, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

In recent years, the demand for pepper spray has surged due to increased awareness of personal safety and rising crime rates. Educational campaigns and safety training programs have highlighted the importance of carrying self-defense tools, leading to a growing number of consumers purchasing pepper sprays. Additionally, government regulations in many regions permit the possession of pepper spray, further boosting its market growth. The product's popularity is particularly high among women, who often perceive it as an essential item for their safety.

Technological advancements have also played a crucial role in the development of more advanced pepper spray formulations and delivery mechanisms. Modern pepper sprays come with features like UV dye for suspect identification, flip-top safety caps to prevent accidental discharge, and compact designs for easy concealment. These innovations have made pepper sprays more effective and user-friendly, thereby increasing their adoption among consumers. Furthermore, manufacturers are focusing on eco-friendly f