Milwaukee Homicides Rise in 2025 Amid National Decline
Milwaukee's Homicide Numbers Rise in 2025
The city of Milwaukee experienced a troubling increase in homicides in 2025 compared to the previous year. While other major cities across the country reported significant drops in violent crime, Milwaukee faced a different reality. The data from the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) reveals that 142 people were killed in 2025, marking an 8% increase from the 132 homicides recorded in 2024. This number is also higher than the 10 more than in 2024, though it remains below the record set in 2022.
By the Numbers: A Look at Homicide Trends
Here is a breakdown of homicide numbers in Milwaukee over the past several years:
- 2019: 97
- 2020: 190
- 2021: 193
- 2022: 215
- 2023: 172
- 2024: 132
- 2025: 142 (as of Jan. 2, 2026)
Despite the rise in homicides, some positive trends were noted in 2025. The MPD reported a 19% decrease in non-fatal shootings, dropping from 639 in 2024 to 515 in 2025. Carjackings also saw a significant decline, with a 49% reduction from 513 in 2024 to 264 in 2025.
Insights from the Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission
The Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission provided additional insights into the nature of the homicides. Over the first seven months of 2025, the commission found that:
- 89% of homicide victims were Black
- 84% were men
- 42% were 29 years old or younger
Regarding suspects, 57% were 29 years old or younger. The commission also noted that most victims knew their killers, while 13% of suspects were listed as strangers.
Nationwide Trends Show a Different Picture
While Milwaukee saw an increase in homicides, the national trend showed a different story. Cities like Chicago and Baltimore reported significant declines. For example, Chicago recorded its lowest number of homicides in 60 years, with 416 homicides through December 30, 2025—a 29% drop compared to 2024. The previous low was set in 1965 with 395 homicides.
Baltimore also saw a notable decrease, reporting its lowest number of homicides in nearly 50 years. According to the AH Datalytics Real-Time Crime Index, which includes data from 570 police agencies through October 2025, homicides nationwide saw the largest one-year drop.
What’s Next for Milwaukee?
Mayor Cavalier Johnson addressed the issue of rising homicides in a statement to FOX6 News before the new year. He acknowledged the overall decline in crime but emphasized the persistent challenge of homicides.
“When you look at crime overall, things have come down. There’s been a persistent issue around homicides this year. And that’s terrible, it’s unfortunate, because every life matters,” he said. “Nobody’s life deserves to be cut short, especially by deadly gun violence we see far too often in our community.”
The mayor also highlighted the importance of holding criminals accountable and implementing preventive programs to reduce future incidents.
“We should also have preventive programs and opportunities out there, so folks don’t do that in the first place,” he added. “We should build strong families and build strong neighborhoods, so that folks are less likely to enter into that space in their life.”
Throughout 2025, FOX6 News shared stories from victims’ loved ones, raising questions about whether 2026 will bring meaningful change.
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