Homicides in the U.S. have risen to levels similar to those seen in the 1980s. The most commonly used weapons are firearms, unspecified weapons, and sharp objects.
Report Highlights:
- Since 2020, there has been a 33% increase in firearm usage in homicides.
- Between 1979 and 2014, other weapons were used in 30% - 40% of homicides, but by 2021, this decreased to under 20%.
- Mississippi has the highest rate of firearm usage in homicides at 91%.
- South Dakota has the highest rate of other weapons usage, with 74% of homicides involving non-firearm weapons.
- Handguns, knives, and personal weapons are used in more homicides than rifles, shotguns, or asphyxiation methods.
Murders in the U.S. by Weapon Type
In 2023, the United States recorded 22,830 homicides. Firearms were involved in 79 percent of the cases, sharp objects in 7 percent, and unspecified injuries accounted for 5.7 percent. Suffocation was attributed to 2.6 percent of homicides, while 2 percent involved blunt force injuries from being struck by or against an object. 2
In 2022, there were 7,936 homicides involving a handgun, 5,704 involving an unspecified firearm, and 1,630 involving a knife or sharp object. Additionally, 665 homicides were committed using personal weapons, such as hands or fists, and 541 involved a rifle. 5
Since 1979, firearms have been used in more than half of all homicides. However, the rate of firearm use in homicides has increased significantly since 2021. Before 2021, other weapons accounted for 30% to 40% of all homicides. In 2021, firearms were used in over 80% of homicides for the first time in U.S. history.1, 2, 3
Murders by Weapon Type by State
As of 2023, Mississippi has the highest rate of firearm-related homicides, with firearms involved in 91% of cases, while South Dakota has the highest rate of homicides involving other objects, at 74%. 2
Southern states such as Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee also have high rates of firearm-related homicides, with 88%, 89%, and 86%, respectively. In Washington, D.C., and Missouri, firearms are involved in 85% of homicides, followed by 84% in Virginia and Kentucky, and 83% in Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.
Homicides involving other objects occur at higher rates in New York (44%), Hawaii (46%), New Hampshire (43%), and Nebraska (42%).
On average, firearms are used more frequently than any other weapon type in every state except South Dakota, where eleven out of forty-two homicides in 2023 involved firearms.
Texas, California, Florida, Illinois, and Georgia contributed the most homicides to the nation’s total. Firearms were used in 72% of homicides in California, 78% in Florida, 79% in Texas, and 83% in both Illinois and Georgia.
Wyoming, Vermont, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and North Dakota had the fewest homicides in 2023. Weapon data for Wyoming is unavailable, but firearms were used in 72% of homicides in Vermont, 64% in Rhode Island, 72% in New Hampshire, and 61% in North Dakota.
Continue reading Murders by Weapon Type: September 2024 Statistics on Ammo.com