Baltimore, Maryland, is experiencing a historic decline in violent crime, reporting the lowest number of homicides in the first half of the year in 50 years.
As of the end of June 2025, city officials confirmed 68 homicides, marking a significant drop from the 88 homicides recorded during the same period last year.
This downward trend was announced by Democratic Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott’s office and represents an encouraging milestone for a city long plagued by violence.
Alongside the decline in homicides, Baltimore has also seen reductions in other types of crime.
Non-lethal shootings decreased by nearly 20 percent, auto thefts fell by 34 percent, robberies dropped 22 percent, carjackings were down 15 percent and arson cases declined 10 percent compared to the first half of 2024.
One of the most significant factors contributing to this progress is the Baltimore Police Department’s improved clearance rates.
The city is currently achieving a 64 percent clearance rate for homicides and a 44 percent clearance rate for nonfatal shootings—approximately 20 percent higher than the department’s ten-year average.
This means that more suspected offenders are being arrested and brought to justice, which can deter future criminal activity, according to WBAL.
Community-based outreach programs have