Baltimore is rewriting its crime story in 2025. Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the city is experiencing historic drops in violent crime, marking the fewest homicides in more than five decades.
Through July 31, the city recorded 84 homicides—down from 111 at this point last year—a 24.3% decrease. Nonfatal shootings have fallen 18.3% compared to the same period in 2024. The last time Baltimore saw numbers this low, disco was topping the charts.
Mayor Scott credited the results to a citywide effort involving police, prosecutors, state and federal partners, community organizations, and residents themselves. “Baltimore is saying enough is enough,” he said, stressing the need to keep pushing forward.
A key driver behind the change is the Group Violence Reduction Strategy, a collaborative effort between the Baltimore Police Department, the Mayor’s Office, and prosecutors. By focusing on small, high-risk groups linked to most of the city’s violence, the program has paired tough enforcement with life-changing services. Since launching, GVRS has made over 414 arrests and connected more than 260 people to coaching, mentorship, and support through partners like YAP, Inc., and Roca. Impressively, over 95% of participants have not been revictimized, and nearly 98% have avoided reoffending.
The homicide clearance rate has also surged—from 40.3% in 2020 to 68.2% in 2024. So far in 2025, it stands at 64.3%, well above the national average.
Baltimore’s positive momentum isn’t limited to violent crime. Auto thefts are down 34%, robberies 23%, arson 10%, and carjackings 15% compared to last year.
City officials say the work is far from over, but for the first time in decades, Baltimore’s crime numbers are making headlines for all the right reasons.
