Chicago Still US Murder Capital for 12th Year in a Row Despite Some Crime Data Improvement

A Chicago police officer talks with a detective at 3443 W. Monroe St. where three people were shot half an hour earlier on Aug. 20, 2021. Cara Ding/The Epoch Times

Chicago has hit a rather grim and tragic milestone after topping the nation in murders during 2023; for those keeping count, that’s the 12th year in a row the Windy City has been crowned the murder capital of the United States, despite other crime stats dropping.

In new data shared by nonprofit community research company Wirepoints, mirroring similar information from Chicago’s Police Department (CPD) end-of-year crime summary, Chicago had a total of 617 homicides last year.

In comparison, Philadelphia had the nation’s second-highest murder count, with 408 people killed in 2023. New York City, which has a far more significant population than both Chicago and Philadelphia combined, rounded out the top three with 386 murders last year.

For context, Chicago has a population of more than 2.6 million, Philadelphia has roughly 1.5 million people living there, and over 8.3 million call New York home.

According to Wirepoints, Chicago’s murder rate per 100,000 residents was down slightly last year, but it was still the second highest out of all America’s largest cities. Overall, Chicago did see a reduction in homicides compared to 2022, which saw 709 murders in the city. This trend played out all over the country, with homicides nationally dropping roughly 13 percent in 2023.

Overall, CPD numbers indicate that murders are down in Chicago; the crime rate remains high in specific categories, though.

The number of robberies remains especially high. CPD data shows robberies were up 23 percent, motor vehicle thefts were up 37 percent, and aggravated batteries were up 6 percent. However, burglary and criminal sexual assault both saw massive reductions since 2022. Shooting incidents also saw a notable drop since previous years.

For clarification, stealing becomes a robbery if violence or threats are used against the victim. A burglary is when a thief enters a home or dwelling to steal. Force may or may not be used for a theft to be considered a burglary.

In a media statement, a CPD spokesperson said carjackings were down in 2023 as well, and police have been arresting more robbery and motor vehicle theft suspects than ever before. The spokesperson suggested that authorities’ efforts in these areas were having an effect in reducing the number of incidents.

First Homicide of 2024

As of 2024, there has already been at least one fatal shooting in Chicago’s Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. Only a few moments into the new year, three people were shot, one fatally. Police have said it’s officially Chicago’s first homicide of 2024.

Chicago has had many ongoing issues with a high crime rate, leaving officials at a loss as to how to fix it and keep everyone safe.

Chicago’s Mayor, Brandon Johnson, has announced measures to help combat the issue, such as targeting four of the most violent neighborhoods in the city and implementing safe spaces for teens and greater mental health and trauma support.

He is also proposing a targeted guaranteed basic income for those areas. This is a shift in strategy from his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, who poured resources into 15 of the city’s most violent neighborhoods.

Some of Mr. Johnson’s ideas, such as paying reparations to black residents as a way to prevent them from committing criminal acts, have been condemned as out of touch and possibly racist for implying most crimes were being committed by a particular racial group.

At the same time, in response to carjackings, Chicago filed a lawsuit against automakers of the most frequently stolen cars last year.

Mr. Johnson claims automakers and not the carjackers were responsible for some of the vehicle thefts because they had failed to install auto-theft prevention technology, which he described as “sheer negligence” on the part of car manufacturers.

The Epoch Times has contacted the Chicago Police Department and Mr. Johnson’s office for further comment.