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Were rates of homicides and shootings higher than normal in the US in 2020?

By EconoFact
YES

The national murder rate in 2020 was 25% higher than in 2019 at about 6 murders per 100,000 people. Although this was the highest annual rate so far this century, it was also lower than at any time from 1968 through 1999. Significantly, other forms of violent crime, such as armed robberies, were down in 2020. The overall crime rate actually fell 23% over the year—seemingly associated with stay-at-home orders—despite an increase in some violent crimes during the protests associated with George Floyd’s murder. Given that homicides and shootings in most cities are related to drug or gang activities, the increase in these crimes specifically may be linked to disruptions in drug markets and other organized criminal enterprises.   

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EconoFact is a non-partisan publication designed to bring key facts and incisive analysis to the national debate on economic and social policies. Launched in January 2017, it is written by leading academic economists from across the country who belong to the EconoFact Network. It is published by the Edward R. Murrow Center for a Digital World at The Fletcher School at Tufts University.
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