Philly's extraordinary decline in violent crime continues
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Homicides are at historic lows in Philadelphia as overall crime continues to fall.
Why it matters: The city is on pace to record its fewest killings in more than six decades.
The big picture: Philly and other big U.S. cities have seen violent crime persistently plummet in recent years, from pandemic-era highs.
By the numbers: Philly had recorded 101 homicides as of Sunday — a 25% decline from the same time in 2025, per police data.
- At that pace, the city could finish the year with roughly 171 homicides — the fewest since at least 1963, when police recorded 125 killings.
Catch up quick: Homicides peaked at a record 569 in 2021 before falling each year since, down to 222 last year.
Zoom in: Overall violent crime is down 4.2% compared with the same point last year.
- Robberies with a gun are down 22%
- Aggravated assaults with a gun have declined 15.8%
- Reported shooting victims have fallen 35%, while shooting incidents are down 5.7%.
Yes, but: Some violent crimes increased, including reported rapes (2.4%).
Meanwhile, property crimes dropped 9.1% year over year, led by a 26.5% decline in commercial burglaries.
Worth noting: Police say they made no arrests or issued citations during FIFA World Cup matches or the city's 39-day Fan Fest.
Between the lines: Public safety and quality-of-life issues have been central to Mayor Cherelle Parker's agenda, particularly Kensington.
- The city has also expanded crime-fighting technology over the past decade, including a surveillance system that's grown to at least 7,000 cameras.
Caveat: The crime decline isn't occurring alongside a growing jail population.
- Philly's prison population fell to roughly 3,270 people in June — down 32% from July 2024.
What they're saying: Temple University criminal justice professor Caterina Roman tells Axios the sustained decline in violent crime is likely fueled by several factors, including:
- Expanded investments in social services, youth programs and homelessness initiatives
- More and improved options for evidence-based violence reduction tactics
- Better policing aided by technology and stronger violence reduction efforts.
Police commissioner Kevin Bethel tells Axios that the department has strengthened partnerships with agencies and groups focused on prevention and intervention, complementing traditional enforcement.
- While acknowledging many Philadelphians still don't feel safe, Bethel said he doesn't expect the city to reverse course.
- "My crystal ball doesn't have us turning back," he said.