Which U.S. States Have the Most Murders (2025)

In 2023, California had the highest murder deaths, followed by Texas. But raw numbers don't tell the full story. By population size, Mississippi ranked highest with 19.4 murders per 100,000 people, while Louisiana came next at 19.3.

These numbers show two sides of the issue. Big states lead in totals, while smaller ones rise in per-capita rankings.

In this article, we'll explore both. You'll see rankings, maps, and regional patterns. We'll also cover the counties and cities driving the numbers, and share some safety tips for your home.

How Do We Collect Data?

All numbers come from the most reliable sources available. We use official FBI crime statistics, state-level reports, and CDC data to track homicide counts and rates. These agencies review and verify crime reports before publishing. This is why the most complete dataset available today is from 2023.

We compare both raw totals (murder rate by state) and per-capita rates (murders per 100,000 people) to give a balanced view. This approach ensures the rankings you see are close to accurate, fair, and easy to understand.

(Note: 2023 is the latest complete dataset. The FBI and state agencies need time to verify and release newer crime figures.)

Top States by Raw Number of Murders

Some states stand out because of their sheer size and population. Bigger states tend to show higher totals, even when their murder rate per person is closer to average. Below is a breakdown of which state has the most murders in 2023:

1. Texas: 1,895 murders were reported in 2023. Most came from Houston (Harris County) and Dallas.
2. California: 1,892 murders were reported in 2023. Los Angeles County, home to Los Angeles city, contributed the largest share.
3. Florida: Around 1,360 were reported. Miami-Dade County, which covers the Miami metro area, accounted for many of them.
4. Illinois: Chicago recorded 617 murders in 2023, driving Illinois’s total of around 805. Cook County remains the state’s main hotspot.
5. North Carolina: The number of murders reported was 886. Charlotte (Mecklenburg County) made up a large part of that number.
6. Georgia: Around 1,067 murders happened in 2023. Atlanta’s metro area led the state’s total.
7. Pennsylvania: More than 1,000 murders took place in 2023. Philadelphia alone reported 410 killings, far more than any other city in the state.
8. New York: New York City recorded 386 murders in 2023, making up nearly all of the state’s total.
9. Ohio: Several hundred murders were reported in 2023. Cleveland and Columbus drove most of the numbers.
10. Michigan: Detroit reported 252 murders in 2023, the city’s lowest since 1966. Still, it made up a big share of Michigan’s total.
11. Tennessee: Around 500 murders were reported in 2023. Memphis alone accounted for about 250 of them.
12. Arizona: About 531 murders happened in 2023. Most came from Phoenix and the wider Maricopa County area.

Top states by per-capita murder rate

Raw totals show what states have the most murders, but that’s only half the story. When we shift to the murder rate by state, the rankings change a lot. This is where smaller states climb to the top and sometimes even claim the title of “murder capital of the United States.”

Below, you’ll find a full table with the latest verified numbers from USAfacts. It ranks 15+ states by total murders, population, and per-capita rate, so you can see how each state compares. However, the numbers may vary as on the population.

The states with the highest murder rates in 2023 were Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, New Mexico, and Tennessee. Each tells a different story, but they share some common ground. Poverty runs deep. Crime is often concentrated in big cities. And violence tends to cluster in neighborhoods already under pressure.

Mississippi tops the list, with murder rates about three times the national average. Louisiana isn’t far behind, led by high numbers in New Orleans. Alabama’s total is shaped by cities like Birmingham and Mobile. In New Mexico, Albuquerque drives much of the state’s violence. And in Tennessee, Memphis accounts for a large share of the killings.

Regional / Urban vs Rural Breakdown

According to recent CDC and FBI data, murder rate by state tends to be highest in the South and lowest in the Northeast. The Southeast region, in particular, has the nation’s highest per-person murder rates. States like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama often top the lists.

Some rural states in the West (for example, Alaska or New Mexico) also report surprisingly high homicide rates. These patterns reflect broad regional differences in violence.

Within states, murders often cluster in a few places. Large urban counties, for instance, Cook County (Chicago) or Los Angeles County, record the most murders in raw numbers. Simply because so many people live there.

By contrast, some smaller counties (often in the Deep South) have very high murder rates per person. For example, areas around New Orleans, Memphis, or Jackson, Mississippi can have homicide rates many times above the national average.

Practical Safety Tips for Homeowners

Here are a few simple steps that can make your home a tougher target:

Lock Everything:

It sounds simple, but it’s the easiest line of defense. Many burglaries start with unlocked side doors, back gates, or even garage entries. Make it a routine to lock every door, every time. Check windows too, especially on the ground floor. A locked home sends the message that breaking in will take effort.

Add Layers of Security:

A single lock won’t cut it. The more layers you add, the less appealing your home looks to intruders. Think smart deadbolts, motion lights, and even thorny bushes under the windows. Every extra obstacle slows them down and raises their chances of getting caught, and that’s usually all it takes to make them give up.

Get a Robust Security System:

Even the best locks can’t stop determined thieves. That’s where a good camera system comes in. Here is what you should get:

● eufyCam S4: Hybrid Triple-lens Camera System

A solar-powered hybrid camera that combines a 4K wide-angle bullet camera (130° field of view) with a dual-lens 2K PTZ camera. This triple-lens system gives you a full 360° view with zero blind spots.

When the bullet camera spots movement, the PTZ camera instantly locks in and zooms closer, capturing crisp details even from about 164 feet away. The S4 runs on solar or AC power, and when plugged in, it supports continuous 24/7 recording.

● eufy ExpertSecure System E10: Security System with Professional Monitoring

The eufy ExpertSystem E10 is a professional security system designed to keep your home safe with ease. It stays connected even during power or Internet outages, thanks to 4G connectivity and a 24-hour built-in battery. Compatible with eufy cameras, doorbells, and sensors, it works seamlessly with your devices to provide reliable protection.

With 24/7 expert monitoring and video verification, the E10 ensures faster alarm responses while reducing false alerts. It also features massive local storage, expandable up to 16 TB, for secure footage and complete privacy. Plus, advanced AI upgrades unlock smarter features for a truly worry-free security experience.

Make it Look Occupied:

Burglars look for easy targets. An empty-looking house is one of them. Use light timers, leave a car in the driveway, or keep curtains half-open. Even a small sign of activity, like music playing, can make your home appear lived in, reducing the temptation to break in.

Avoid Leaving Valuables Visible:

A laptop near the window, or a box on the porch, can be enough to lure someone. Burglars often act on impulse, so don’t give them a reason. Keep electronics, wallets, and even tools tucked away. For deliveries, use a lockbox or ask a neighbor to grab packages if you’re not home.

Get to Know Your Neighbors:

Good security goes beyond your own fence. A watchful neighbor can be better than any alarm. Build those friendly connections, exchange numbers, look out for each other’s homes, and give them a heads-up if you’ll be away.

FAQs

Q. What state is #1 for most homicides?

Texas had the highest number of murders in 2023, with 1,895 deaths reported. California was very close behind with 1,892.

Q. What are the top 10 murderous cities in the US?

1. Chicago
2. Detroit
3. Memphis
4. Baltimore
5. New Orleans
6. Louis
7. Philadelphia
8. Houston
9. Cleveland
10. Washington D.C.

These cities consistently report high homicide counts. These numbers shift year to year, but they remain among the most affected.

Q. Which city has the most homicides?

Chicago leads the list in raw numbers. In 2023, the city reported over 600 murders, far more than most U.S. cities.

Q. What are the 10 states with the highest crime rates?

When looking beyond homicides to overall crime, states like:

1. New Mexico
2. Alaska, Arkansas
3. Louisiana
4. South Carolina
5. Tennessee
6. Arizona
7. Missouri
8. Nevada
9. Oklahoma

They are often near the top. These rankings come from combining violent and property crime rates.

Conclusion

So, what’s the takeaway? Big states like Texas and California see the most murders in total, but when you look at the rate per person, Mississippi and Louisiana take the lead. The South carries much of the weight, while the Northeast stays lower on the charts.

Cities like Chicago or Los Angeles push numbers up. Meanwhile, smaller counties can still be some of the most dangerous places. In the end, knowing which state has the most murders isn’t just about one number; you also need to look at the full picture behind it.